Director of Plant Operations

Phillips Distilling Company - Princeton, MN

Full-time - Senior

Princeton, MN

Food and Beverage Retailers

About the position

The Director of Plant Operations at Phillips Distilling Company is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing process, ensuring efficient and cost-effective production while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and regulatory compliance. This role involves strategic leadership, collaboration with cross-functional teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives to align manufacturing strategies with business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a comprehensive manufacturing strategy to meet market demands and improve operational effectiveness.
• Lead and oversee all plant operations, ensuring adherence to safety, quality, sanitation, delivery, and cost goals.
• Set clear KPIs and lead continuous improvement initiatives to boost productivity and efficiency.
• Develop and manage the manufacturing budget, focusing on cost control and identifying opportunities for efficiency improvements.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the manufacturing department, including production planning and resource allocation.
• Act as a liaison between manufacturing and other business units to ensure alignment on production schedules and product quality.
• Monitor production processes to ensure efficiency, productivity, and profitability targets are met.
• Implement quality control measures to ensure manufactured products meet customer expectations and industry standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless coordination throughout the manufacturing process.
• Partner with the Director of EHS to ensure a safe working environment and compliance with regulations.
• Identify and implement process improvements to optimize workflows and enhance operational efficiency.
• Maintain a strong floor presence to build relationships with team members and develop a high-performing team.
• Foster a positive work environment that promotes diversity, inclusion, and continuous learning.
• Align manufacturing activities with sales forecasts and budgetary constraints.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations and quality management systems.
• Track and analyze production data to identify and address issues impacting efficiency and quality.
• Lead lean manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives to enhance production efficiency.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management or related field.
• 8-10 years of experience in senior manufacturing management.
• Proven success in managing large-scale manufacturing operations.
• Experience in implementing lean manufacturing principles and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and developing high-performing teams.

Nice-to-haves

• Previous experience in a complex, highly regulated industry such as Food and Beverage.
• Experience in high-speed bottling.

Benefits

• Paid holidays
• Paid time off