Job Description

Position Title: Plant Manager, Operations
Location: Early Branch, SC
Reports To: Director of Manufacturing / VP of Operations

Position Overview:
The Plant Manager will provide strategic and hands-on leadership for all operations at the starch and fiber packaging manufacturing facility. This role ensures the safe, efficient, and sustainable production of high-quality molded products while meeting environmental, safety, and quality standards. The ideal candidate blends technical expertise in hydraulic mold processing with strong operational leadership, financial discipline, and a passion for continuous improvement and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership:

• Direct all daily plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality, logistics, and EHS compliance.
• Execute production plans to meet schedule, quality, and sustainability targets.
• Maintain optimal inventory levels and ensure on-time shipments.
• Maximize material utilization, labor efficiency, and equipment uptime while reducing waste and energy use.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement programs to drive throughput and cost reductions.

Product Quality & Process Control:

• Guarantee consistent production quality by adhering to formulations, process standards, and testing protocols.
• Partner with R&D to scale new coatings, formulations, and designs from pilot to full manufacturing readiness.
• Maintain robust process documentation, batch traceability, and compliance with customer and industry certifications.
• Ensure proper maintenance and calibration of plant equipment to sustain compliance and reliability.

Safety, Environmental & Regulatory Compliance:

• Champion a proactive safety culture and enforce all health, safety, and environmental policies.
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations related to biodegradable materials, emission control, and waste management.
• Lead internal and external audits (e.g., SQF, ISO, OSHA) and manage corrective action programs.

Leadership & Team Development:

• Supervise and develop production supervisors, operators, and support staff, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Drive talent development through clear performance expectations, coaching, and structured career growth.
• Promote cross-functional teamwork and recognition for innovation and continuous improvement.

Financial & Strategic Management:

• Develop and manage plant operating budgets, KPIs, and reporting metrics.
• Deliver cost control and margin improvement through operational optimization and resource allocation.
• Support capital projects, facility expansions, and new equipment commissioning aligned with business priorities.

Collaboration & Innovation:

• Partner with R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to accelerate innovation in sustainable materials and manufacturing processes.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, Marketing, and Sales to achieve strategic company goals through aligned operational strategies.
• Participate in corporate initiatives supporting new product development, sustainability advancements, and market growth.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Management, or related discipline preferred.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, including at least 3 years in a leadership capacity within bioplastics, fiber-based packaging, or sustainable materials.
• Deep understanding of starch- and fiber-based molding, extrusion, or coating processes.
• Proven record of process optimization, root-cause problem solving, and Lean/CI implementation.
• Knowledge of regulatory and quality systems such as SQF, ISO 9001/14001, OSHA, and food contact standards.
• Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems, data analytics, and performance dashboards.

Core Competencies:

• Leadership and Talent Development.
• Technical Expertise in Hydraulic Mold Processing.
• Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement.
• Environmental Stewardship and Compliance.
• Quality Assurance and Process Control.
• Financial and Strategic Acumen.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration and Innovation.

About Bridges Staffing:

Our agency is all about matching unique individuals with fantastic jobs from the executive suite to the factory floor. To give you the greatest experience possible, we use our passion for people to provide the best workforce solutions in Charleston, Savannah and Mobile, AL. Our staffing agency team includes some of the industry's most experienced, intelligent, and talented staffing professionals. The workforce has seen a lot of changes, but Bridges Staffing Agency is here to help. Whether you're looking for temporary staffing or direct hire staffing, allow our team of staffing professionals to find your next top talent. We understand that each company's operating needs and each individual's job hunt are unique. Whether you're a job seeker looking for work or a business looking for employees who deliver, we can help.

Job Tags

Full time, Temporary work,

Similar Jobs