Guittard Chocolate Company
Position Description
The Plant Manager is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the chocolate manufacturing facility's operations, including production and safety. The Plant Manager will ensure our products are manufactured efficiently, safely, and in full compliance with all quality standards and regulatory requirements, such as FDA, USDA, HACCP, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). The Plant Manager will also lead a Production Manager and team of supervisors to achieve production goals, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and manage the plant's budget. This position is an exempt, full-time and fully benefited position, and reports to the Vice President of Operations.
Responsibilities
Provide strong, hands‑on leadership to coach and mentor all plant personnel, including supervisors and production staff.
Collaborate with the supply chain and procurement teams to ensure a steady supply of materials and manage vendor relations.
Monitor production output, equipment performance, and operational metrics (KPIs) to identify and address bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
Enforce strict adherence to all food safety and quality regulations, including HACCP, GMP, SQF, and other relevant certifications.
Assist with root cause analysis for any quality deviations or customer complaints to implement corrective actions.
Collaborate with the Union to foster a joint commitment to a work environment that is mutually beneficial for management and the workforce.
Partner with the Director of Quality Assurance and the Maintenance Manager to ensure quality of the product and that the equipment is running properly.
Develop, manage, and monitor the plant's operating budget, controlling costs related to labor, materials, and overhead.
Analyze budget variances and production costs to ensure profitability.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration or similar is required.
8+ years of progressive experience in a food manufacturing environment with several years in management, preferably in chocolate (bean to bar).
Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ERP (Business Objects) are preferred.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship building skills to motivate a diverse workforce.
Experience working in a unionized environment is preferred.
Experience initiating, collaborating, and implementing large process and / or mechanical / machine improvement projects.
Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
Available to work overtime and weekends.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work is performed in an area that is subject to both heat and cold. The noise level can be moderate to high. Employees are required to wear hair nets, safety shoes, and adhere to GMP guidelines. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts, where attention to detail and safety are of the utmost importance.
The facility is operational 24 hours a day, 6 days a week.
Guittard Chocolate Company is an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity.
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Responsibilities
Provide strong, hands‑on leadership to coach and mentor all plant personnel, including supervisors and production staff.
Collaborate with the supply chain and procurement teams to ensure a steady supply of materials and manage vendor relations.
Monitor production output, equipment performance, and operational metrics (KPIs) to identify and address bottlenecks and inefficiencies.
Enforce strict adherence to all food safety and quality regulations, including HACCP, GMP, SQF, and other relevant certifications.
Assist with root cause analysis for any quality deviations or customer complaints to implement corrective actions.
Collaborate with the Union to foster a joint commitment to a work environment that is mutually beneficial for management and the workforce.
Partner with the Director of Quality Assurance and the Maintenance Manager to ensure quality of the product and that the equipment is running properly.
Develop, manage, and monitor the plant's operating budget, controlling costs related to labor, materials, and overhead.
Analyze budget variances and production costs to ensure profitability.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration or similar is required.
8+ years of progressive experience in a food manufacturing environment with several years in management, preferably in chocolate (bean to bar).
Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, Outlook) and ERP (Business Objects) are preferred.
Exceptional leadership, communication, and relationship building skills to motivate a diverse workforce.
Experience working in a unionized environment is preferred.
Experience initiating, collaborating, and implementing large process and / or mechanical / machine improvement projects.
Excellent problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities in a fast‑paced, high‑pressure environment.
Available to work overtime and weekends.
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The work is performed in an area that is subject to both heat and cold. The noise level can be moderate to high. Employees are required to wear hair nets, safety shoes, and adhere to GMP guidelines. The employee regularly works near moving mechanical parts, where attention to detail and safety are of the utmost importance.
The facility is operational 24 hours a day, 6 days a week.
Guittard Chocolate Company is an equal‑opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity.
#J-18808-Ljbffr