Plant Manager

A leading food manufacturing firm is looking for a Plant / General Manager to lead their site in Los Angeles.

Level: Plant Manager

Location: Los Angeles Metro Area

Position Overview:

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the complete operation of the facility, ensuring all aspects, including production, quality control, and purchasing, meet or exceed established standards.
• Maintain robust financial performance by ensuring profit and loss targets are met and the budget is adhered to.
• Identify and implement cost-saving strategies to support budget goals.
• Continuously enhance quality by monitoring systems and audits, exceeding both internal and regulatory standards.
• Ensure strict adherence to all food safety standards (e.g., HACCP, SSOP, GMP) and manage regulatory audits efficiently.
• Complete all food safety assessments on time according to the established guidelines.
• Lead a unified team focused on continuous improvement and high-performance standards.
• Organize staffing to optimize departmental efficiency.
• Supervise production teams to ensure top-tier quality and operational efficiency.
• Ensure all quality aspects of operations are thoroughly monitored to meet compliance requirements.
• Foster strong working relationships with department heads and represent the facility in all external communications.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations from airlines, airports, and ports.
• Assist in the development and execution of new policies and procedures.
• Track and analyze key metrics to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure precise documentation of requirements.
• Perform cost analyses, scenarios, and benchmarking for performance improvements.
• Monitor and forecast demand and resource needs.
• Proactively manage risks associated with labor laws, food safety regulations, and other external compliance factors.
• Create and manage the annual business plan, contributing to budgeting processes.
• Regularly assess and adjust the facility's performance to ensure goals are met.
• Ensure all work practices align with customer expectations and company standards.
• Drive process optimizations and the continuous improvement culture.
• Uphold safety, health, environmental, and quality compliance at all times.
• Provide leadership and development for team members while adhering to Human Resources policies.

Required Qualifications:

• Proven experience in inflight catering management.
• Track record of successfully leading operations in an airline catering environment, with a preference for international account management.
• Experience with budgeting and operational planning.
• Background in manufacturing or food production is a plus.
• Knowledge of HACCP and compliance with FDA standards is required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and relevant software tools.
• Demonstrated leadership, project management, and process optimization skills.
• Strong time management and performance-driven approach.
• At least 3-4 years of comprehensive operations management experience.
• Solid financial acumen and leadership abilities.
• Strong skills in employee relations and team management.
• Expertise in quality control problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Strong emphasis on safety and compliance.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Passion for high-quality cuisine and top-tier customer service.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a data-driven mindset.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.