Job Description

Plant Manager – High-Growth Food Manufacturer | Near Charlotte, NC We’ve been exclusively retained to find the right operational leader to launch a brand-new, high-impact food production facility. Be the Leader Behind the Launch. Imagine stepping into a blank canvas—77,000 square feet of possibility. A fully equipped facility, a nationally loved brand, and a clear mandate: build, lead, and scale a world-class operation from day one. We’re partnering with a fast-growing, innovative food company that’s bringing production in-house for the first time in its 20-year history. As the Plant Manager , you won’t just run a plant—you’ll shape its future. This is your opportunity to lead a high-profile buildout, guide an exceptional team, and make your mark on a brand with serious momentum. About the Role This is a rare ground-floor opportunity to lead the launch of a new manufacturing facility focused on frozen, high-quality, globally influenced street foods . You’ll be responsible for overseeing operations, hiring and developing your team, and ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency from the ground up. Key Responsibilities Lead the startup of a brand-new USDA-regulated facility producing frozen food products Build, coach, and scale a high-performing operations team (initially ~9 direct reports, growing with demand) Oversee daily plant operations including production, food safety, quality, and maintenance Ensure regulatory compliance: USDA, FDA, SQF, HACCP, GMP Oversee raw material and finished goods inventory, including procurement of direct and indirect materials, lot/batch code tracking, and management of short shelf-life, high-value ingredients Champion a best-in-class safety and accountability culture Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Culinary, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR Manage and track a $20M+ operating budget Help transition from a proprietary ERP to a scalable commercial platform Contribute to long-term scaling efforts: ramp from 5 to 9 lines and 1 to 2 shifts over 3 year What You Bring ~8+ years of food manufacturing experience, with 5+ years in a leadership role ~ Proven success launching or expanding operations—either a full plant startup or a major new product line ~ Hands-on leadership style with a track record of building strong teams and retaining frontline talent ~ Solid understanding of USDA/FDA-regulated food safety programs and SQF standards ~ Experience with lean manufacturing, SOP creation, and continuous improvement ~ Budget management experience—ideally overseeing $15M+ in variable cost centers ~ Comfort with ERP systems and a willingness to adapt to new platforms ~ Experience managing inbound and outbound inventory, especially with perishable items, lot/batch traceability, and procurement of both direct and indirect materials ~ Grit, accountability, and a passion for operational excellence in the food space Compensation & Benefits ~ Competitive salary range: $90,000–$115,000 , with flexibility for the right candidate ~ Bonus potential and performance-based growth opportunities ~ Comprehensive benefits package including health, dental, vision, 401(k), and more ~5-Year Replacement Program provides long-term confidence in your career trajectory ~ Join a people-first, high-energy culture with strong executive visibility and support Location: Near Charlotte, North Carolina – Foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains This role is based in a vibrant manufacturing hub nestled in the scenic foothills between Charlotte and Asheville, NC. Think: craft coffee and breweries, charming downtowns, mountain views, and easy weekend getaways—plus a lower cost of living that lets your salary go further. From a career standpoint, the region is home to a growing cluster of food manufacturing and supply chain talent—making it the perfect place to lead, hire, and scale. You’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: small-town livability with access to big-city amenities. We’re prioritizing local and regional candidates, but for the right person, we’re open to relocation support—especially if you're looking for more space, a fresh start, or the chance to build something truly impactful. Ready to Take the Lead? We’ve been retained exclusively to manage this search. If you’re an operational leader with a passion for food and a hunger for impact, we want to hear from you. Apply now to learn more and explore your fit.

Job Tags

Local area, Relocation package, Shift work, Weekend work,

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