Plant Manager

gpac is seeking a Plant Manager for a growing pet food manufacturing facility in the Oklahoma City area. The Plant Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility while providing strong leadership across production, safety, food safety, quality, employee development, and continuous improvement initiatives.

This is a highly visible leadership position with responsibility for plant performance, production goals, KPIs, cost management, team development, and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, direct, and oversee day-to-day plant operations - Achieve production and operational goals established for the facility - Lead continuous improvement initiatives throughout the plant - Develop processes to increase productivity and enhance performance - Delegate production assignments to appropriate teams and personnel - Promote and reinforce all Safety, Food Safety, and Quality policies and procedures - Support continuous improvement efforts across the facility - Build and maintain a well-trained, motivated, and accountable workforce - Develop plant employees through coaching, performance evaluations, and ongoing feedback - Provide operational and employee leadership throughout the facility - Assist executive management with budgeting, production statistics, cost analysis, capital expenditure justification, and asset management - Establish, implement, and report plant KPIs - Analyze operational data to identify and reduce inefficiencies and waste - Partner with leadership to continuously improve overall plant performance - Perform other duties as assigned

Background & Experience

• 10+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing, production, planning, or supervision - 4+ years of management experience preferred - Bachelor's degree in Business or related field preferred - Strong written and verbal communication skills - Proven ability to lead, develop, and motivate plant employees - Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations and production equipment - Experience establishing and managing plant KPIs - Experience with budgeting, cost analysis, and capital expenditures - Proactive problem-solving skills - Quality System experience or foundational knowledge - Experience with ERP, WMS, and batching software - Strong understanding of safety and food safety practices - Ability to work in a fast-paced manufacturing environment - Willingness to work weekends as needed

Why This Role

• Leadership opportunity within an established pet food manufacturer - High-impact role with significant influence over plant performance - Opportunity to drive continuous improvement and operational efficiency - Direct involvement with production, quality, safety, and employee development - Competitive $120K-$140K base salary - Full benefits package - 401(k) with company matching - Health, dental, vision, and life insurance - Paid time off - Employee discount - Relocation opportunity for qualified candidates

Compensation: $120K-$140K base salary, depending on experience, plus benefits.

If you have strong food manufacturing leadership experience and are looking for an opportunity to lead plant operations, drive continuous improvement, and develop a high-performing team, APPLY NOW! For immediate consideration, contact Chelsea at [email protected] All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.