Plant Manager - Lyndale

Responsibilities

Job Description

Oversees the activities of the Sanitation, Maintenance, Packaging and Production Departments within the Lyndale Ave. facility, in such a manner as to ensure the most efficient and effective production of the highest quality, lowest cost, bakery products; in the safest and most sanitary conditions possible.

Manages the day-to-day activities of the Sanitation, Maintenance, Packaging and Production departments by:

Continuous development and coaching of the Supervisory team in their professional development. Evaluating their performance, and initiating corrective action as required.

Ensuring plant is properly staffed and trained to meet production level requirements, safety standards, sanitation standards and productivity goals.

Establishing quality and efficiency standards for operations and initiating / managing quality and efficiency improvement initiatives.

Monitoring plant output regarding yields, scrap and material usage to ensure efficient resource utilization and initiating corrective action as required.

Analyzing production operations and initiating corrective actions to ensure efficient product flow.

Monitoring expenses, reviewing Production Summary’s to budget and initiating corrective action as required.

Scheduling managerial personnel in a manner consistent with Company policies that best utilize their skills and abilities.

Continuously monitoring the manufacturing costs and devising or recommending changes to maintain or reduce them.

Overseeing the scheduling of production of products in a manner that will ensure timely delivery of the freshest possible products.

Overseeing the development and implementation of process controls to ensure the consistent manufacture of quality bakery products.

Overseeing the activities of the Maintenance Department to ensure minimal interruptions and maximum efficiencies of the process equipment.

Overseeing the activities of the Sanitation Department to ensure compliance of food safety laws and customer specific requirements.

Qualifications:

• Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in a managerial role within a commercial bakery or food manufacturing environment, with demonstrated success in leading production teams and driving operational excellence.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degree or relevant certifications (e.g., Certified Food Scientist, Six Sigma) preferred.
• Technical Skills: Strong understanding of bakery production processes, equipment, and technology, with the ability to troubleshoot issues and implement solutions. Proficiency in MS Office and ERP/MRP systems.
• Leadership Abilities: Proven leadership and team-building skills, with the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower employees to achieve common goals. Experience in performance management, coaching, and talent development.
• Analytical Skills: Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a data-driven approach to decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Communication Skills: Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to communicate clearly and collaborate with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and adapt to changing priorities and business needs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Thorough knowledge of food safety regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA), quality standards (e.g., GMP, HACCP), and industry best practices.
• Results Orientation: Strong business acumen, with a focus on achieving targets for production output, quality, cost control, and customer satisfaction.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Proactive approach to identifying challenges and implementing effective solutions to improve processes and performance.
  
  

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker, hands-on leader, and collaborative team player, with a passion for food production and a commitment to excellence.

Company Description

Alpha Baking Company, Inc., a manufacturer and national distributor of breads, rolls and buns, as well as sweet goods, was founded in 1979. Headquartered in Chicago, Alpha Baking has three production plants in Illinois and others in Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Alpha Baking’s retail brands include S. Rosen’s, MaryAnn, Natural Ovens Bakery, Kreamo, and Golden Hearth, with additional product sold under private label agreements and the Alpha Baking foodservice brand. Alpha Baking’s broad array of products can be found in national restaurant chains, quick service restaurants, schools, institutions, major league sports franchises, national grocery chains and independent grocery stores.

We are an equal opportunity employer with policies prohibiting unlawful discrimination on the basis of any protected classification under applicable local, state and/or federal laws which include race, color religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or veteran status, Alpha Baking Company, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Alpha Baking Company, Inc., a manufacturer and national distributor of breads, rolls and buns, as well as sweet goods, was founded in 1979. Headquartered in Chicago, Alpha Baking has three production plants in Illinois and others in Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Alpha Baking’s retail brands include S. Rosen’s, MaryAnn, Natural Ovens Bakery, Kreamo, and Golden Hearth, with additional product sold under private label agreements and the Alpha Baking foodservice brand. Alpha Baking’s broad array of products can be found in national restaurant chains, quick service restaurants, schools, institutions, major league sports franchises, national grocery chains and independent grocery stores. We are an equal opportunity employer with policies prohibiting unlawful discrimination on the basis of any protected classification under applicable local, state and/or federal laws which include race, color religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability status or veteran status, Alpha Baking Company, Inc. is an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.