Job Summary:
As Plant Director, you will be trusted to lead our Bartlett facility as your own by stewarding our people, our products and the reputation we’ve built as a family-owned manufacturer. You will serve as the driving force behind the plant, providing clear direction across production, maintenance, quality, safety and warehousing through a visible, engaged presence on the floor. With the autonomy and support to lead, you will strengthen culture, drive performance and position this plant for continued success. This role is ideal for a hands-on leader who values continuous improvement, people development and delivering outcomes with precision.
What You’ll Own and Achieve:
- Lead with a safety and quality-first mindset, ensuring compliance with GMPs, HARPC, FDA, OSHA, and all food safety standards
- Set clear goals and strategic direction for the plant, aligning objectives with the company's mission and core values in the areas of safety, quality, cost, delivery and morale
- Drive operational performance through data-driven analysis of production results, downtime, yields and labor utilization
- Apply Lean and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) methodologies to optimize processes, reduce waste and increase efficiency within the operation
- Develop and execute capital and continuous improvement plans that support safety, productivity, cost control and long-term growth
- Build, coach and develop a strong management team, setting expectations and creating opportunities for future growth
- Work across departments to align resources and ensure business requirements are met in areas such as cost, financial controls, quality, safety and company initiatives
- Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement by channeling the energy and enthusiasm of employees to achieve organizational goals and drive improved business performance
- Communicate proactively and transparently about risks, priorities and progress
- Ensure food safety and product integrity, supporting all quality systems and regulatory requirements related to legality, compliance and consumer protection
What You Bring:
- Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience in manufacturing leadership
- 10–15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, ideally in food or beverage operations
- Demonstrated success leading safe, compliant and high-performing teams and manufacturing environments
- Strong working knowledge of food safety and regulatory requirements (GMP, SQF/HACCP, HARPC, FDA, USDA, OSHA, EPA)
- Proven ability to improve performance using KPIs, process management systems and structured problem-solving
- Sound financial and business judgment, including budgeting, capital planning and cost control
- Practical experience with Lean, TPM, root cause analysis (RCA), and continuous improvement (CI) principles and tools
- A people-first leadership style with the ability to engage, develop and retain talent
Food Safety Responsibilities:
- Attend all food safety training sessions (GMP, SQF, HACCP, Allergen, Food Facility Security, Preventing Foodborne Illness)
- Participate in company GMP walks
- Enforce company rules regarding food safety and monitoring
- Attend Food Safety Team meetings
Working Conditions:
- Office setting and warehouse environment with temperature range of 55 – 80 degrees
- This position may require the employee to work weekends or shifts other than their own to meet the needs of the business.
Physical Requirements:
- Operate standard office equipment.
- Reach with hands and arms.
- Lift up to 25 pounds
Benefits of Werking for CW:
- Fun, creative, and inviting atmosphere – plus the perk of working with cool food brands!
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- 401K and company match
- Paid Time Off
- On-site gym
- Audible Subscription
- Continuous learning and development opportunities
The approved annualized base compensation range for this role is established at $185,000 - $230,000. Final offer amounts will be determined based on candidate skills, qualifications, experience and domain expertise.