Manufacturing Plant Director

The Manufacturing Director is responsible for all plant operations at Just Born’s flagship facility, including safety performance, quality and food safety, financial results, regulatory compliance, labor relations, production, production planning & schedule attainment, maintenance, shipping and receiving, staffing, equipment & property.

This position will act as a change agent building the capability of the organization through the implementation of operational excellence, lean methodologies, and changing behaviors to enhance data driven decision making to achieve business and plant goals.

Location: Bethlehem, PA

How You’ll Impact Results:

• Owns P&L for the plant through development and performance of annual manufacturing budget supportive of the company’s annual plan.
• Development and implementation of the short and long-term manufacturing plans to deliver results consistent with the company’s strategic plan, vision and culture.
• Implement a lean / continuous improvement mindset and system to include processes, policies, and programs that improve productivity and quality while eliminating waste and reducing cost.
• Uses operational excellence pillars to build the capability of the organization.
• Coach, mentor, and develop a skilled, innovative team by fostering and promoting an environment of learning and continuous improvement.
• Encourages employee self-development activities and provides opportunities and accommodations for staff to enhance their skills.
• Promotes and holds teams accountable for a strong food safety culture that meets and/or exceeds regulatory requirements and Just Born quality standards.
• Ensures accurate timely communication and understanding of strategic and tactical information throughout all levels of the organization.
• Develop and manage relationship with the bargaining unit ensuring a culture of mutual respect and understanding. Ensures union contract terms and conditions are met.
• Ensures facility remains compliant to all applicable standards and required certifications, including but not limited to; OSHA standards, FDA Requirements, Global Food Safety Initiatives (SQF).
• Manages and provides technical leadership for projects addressing all facility infrastructure needs, expansions, and equipment to provide a safe and comfortable environment for all associates.

Your Qualifications That Will Ensure Success:

• Bachelor’s degree required, Engineering focus/major is preferred. MBA is a plus.
• A combination of education and experience that proves ability to perform role may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• 10+ years’ manufacturing experience required, with 5+ years in a people leadership role.
• Experience leading full plant operations previously as a Plant Manager is highly preferred.
• Confection, Food, Beverage, or Consumer Packaged experience is strongly preferred.
• Continuous improvement professional with a focus on data-based decision making.
• Strong financial/business acumen with experience and ability to manage a budget.
• Effective written & verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate and influence others at all levels of the organization.
• Advanced technical/professional knowledge, including application of Operational Excellence and Lean Manufacturing.
• Strong problem solving, negotiating and decision-making skills with a proven ability to manage complex situations.
• Proficiency with computers, including the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).

Just Born is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer: Female / Minority / Disability / Protected Veteran / Sexual Orientation / Gender Identity.

Our Pledge to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: At Just Born Quality Confections, we pledge to create a workplace where associates feel inspired to bring their whole selves to work. We are committed to acting boldly with integrity, authenticity, and humility to listen, learn and grow. Part of this commitment includes creating an equitable environment for all associates and advocating for those whose voices are historically and chronically marginalized.

Our purpose is to bring sweetness to people’s lives and can only be fully realized by pledging to value all people, all races, all cultures, all religions, all love, all genders and all abilities, because Together We Are Better.