Plant Manager

Description

Founded in 1999, Specialty Herd Solutions is a fast-growing leader in the dairy industry, delivering comprehensive animal care through premium products, innovative equipment, and reliable bulk delivery. We are looking for a customer-focused professional who takes ownership, leads with integrity, and collaborates selflessly to support our clients' success.

The Role

As a Plant Manager, you will be responsible for the overall leadership, performance, and continuous improvement of plant operations, including production, safety, quality, maintenance, transportation/ logistics, and inventory management. This “hands-on” role ensures efficient, compliant, and cost-effective operations while being a part of and developing a high-performing workforce and driving a strong culture of safety, accountability, and operational excellence.

Your Impact

Operations & Production

• Participate in and lead daily plant operations to meet production, quality, safety, and cost objectives
• Optimize batch processes, reduce waste, and troubleshoot off-spec products
• Develop, implement, and standardize SOPs and best practices across production
• Monitor and achieve production KPIs and drive continuous improvement initiatives

Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, DOT and applicable regulatory requirements
• Lead safety programs including PPE, LOTO, confined space, hazard communication, and spill response
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure corrective actions are implemented
• Support and lead audits, inspections, PHAs, and MOCs

Quality & Chemical Management

• Oversee product quality, testing standards, and documentation accuracy
• Lead root cause investigations and implement corrective actions for quality issues
• Ensure proper chemical handling, storage, compatibility, and disposal practices

Maintenance & Reliability

• Oversee equipment reliability programs, including preventive maintenance and repairs
• Partner with maintenance teams to improve uptime and reduce failures (MTBF)
• Ensure proper inspection processes and equipment standards are maintained

Logistics & Inventory

• Manage material flow, inventory accuracy, and warehouse operations
• Design and implement efficient inventory strategies (FIFO/FEFO)
• Ensure accurate shipping, receiving, and documentation processes
• Ensure compliance with DOT regulations including driver qualifications, hours of service (HOS), vehicle inspections, and recordkeeping

Leadership & Team Development

• Hire, coach, and develop plant personnel
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures
• Build bench strength and succession planning for key roles
• Foster collaboration across departments (EHS, QA, Maintenance, Supply Chain)

Continuous Improvement

• Identify operational inefficiencies and implement process improvements
• Lead cost-saving initiatives and productivity enhancements
• Utilize data to drive decision-making and operational strategy

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises production, operations, logistics and/or support staff
• Responsible for performance management, training, and disciplinary actions
• Leads cross-functional coordination across plant functions

Requirements

What You Bring

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field preferred
• Minimum 7 years of manufacturing or plant operations experience
• Minimum 3 years of leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of industrial safety and regulatory requirements (OSHA, EPA, DOT, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience leading teams and improving operational performance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in chemical manufacturing or regulated environments
• Knowledge of DOT regulations, fleet management, and transportation compliance
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification
• Experience with ERP systems and production planning tools
• Strong mechanical and process troubleshooting background

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)

• Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
• Working knowledge of DOT regulations, driver safety requirements, and fleet compliance
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making capability
• Ability to analyze data and drive performance improvements
• Strong communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Deep understanding of plant operations, safety systems, and quality processes

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk and stand on the production floor for extended periods
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 lbs
• Ability to wear required PPE when in operational areas

Work Environment

• Combination of office and industrial plant environment
• Exposure to noise, chemicals, moving equipment, and varying temperatures
• May require extended hours, weekends, or on-call availability

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Play a key role in delivering innovative hoof-care and dairy-equipment solutions that directly improve herd health and producer profitability.
• Growth: Grow your career with an industry leader that truly values your expertise.
• Rewards: Enjoy a competitive compensation and benefits package within a supportive, team-oriented culture.

What We Offer

Ready to Make an Impact? Apply today to help dairy producers succeed while advancing your own career with a company that values innovation, collaboration, and growth. We offer a competitive base compensation range of $90,000 - $100,000 annually with a 10% target bonus. Compensation will be determined by the experience, knowledge, and abilities of the applicant. We also offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision and life insurance plans, vacation and sick time, and a generous 401k employer contribution.

Who We Are

Specialty Herd Solutions was founded after recognizing the challenges dairy farmers faced using bagged copper sulfate for hoof care, leading to the development of an easier-to-use, more effective liquid solution. This innovation became the foundation of the company, followed shortly by the installation of its first automated footbath system. Today, Specialty Herd Solutions supports over 30% of U.S. dairy cows as a leading provider of automated hoof care technology. Driven by a mission to modernize animal care, the company delivers sustainable, customized solutions through strong partnerships—offering straightforward, no-hassle service with a focus on improving outcomes for cattle, farm employees, and dairy operations.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local laws.