Plant Operations Manager

About the Role

The Plant Operations Manager will oversee the full operational performance of three manufacturing locations, including two large plants and one smaller site. The role is responsible for maintaining safe working conditions, delivering production commitments, protecting product quality and food safety, keeping costs under control, and continuously improving plant performance.

About the Company

ofi is a global ingredients business that partners with farming communities to source and produce food and beverage ingredients for customers around the world. Its portfolio includes cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, spices, herbs, and sauces, with a strong focus on traceability, sustainability, and quality. The company works closely with farmers and operates manufacturing and innovation capabilities across many countries to support reliable supply and better outcomes for people and the planet.

Product Area

This position sits within the spices business. ofi is a major producer of dried garlic and onions and also operates at scale in chiles, pepper, tropical spices, and related spice blends. The business sources raw materials from primary growing regions and runs manufacturing facilities that support consistent quality, provenance, and year-round supply.

Core Responsibilities

• Direct operations across three plants and ensure daily activity stays aligned with business goals.
• Make sure production plans are executed to meet targets for output, yield, quality, and service.
• Apply and reinforce company operating standards consistently across all sites.
• Maintain strong health, safety, environmental, and regulatory compliance at each facility.
• Build a strong safety culture centered on zero harm and prompt closure of risk actions.
• Ensure adherence to food safety requirements such as HACCP, GMP, and BRC/ISO standards where relevant.
• Support consistent product quality for dehydrated products such as onion, garlic, and herbs.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective action efforts for quality issues and customer complaints.
• Manage plant budgets and keep manufacturing spending under control.
• Improve yield, productivity, and energy use across drying, slicing, and processing operations.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving and value-engineering opportunities.
• Drive operational excellence initiatives based on plant maturity and business priorities.
• Improve throughput, shorten cycle times, reduce downtime, and cut waste and losses.
• Lead OpEx and CapEx projects, including process improvements and automation initiatives.
• Build and guide a high-performing team across multiple sites.
• Strengthen the capability of frontline leaders and middle management.
• Promote accountability, engagement, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Develop succession plans for critical roles.
• Coordinate production planning and storage management effectively.
• Maintain control over raw materials, semi-finished goods, packaging materials, and finished goods inventory.
• Work closely with sales, supply chain, and logistics teams to support strong OTIF results.
• Track key performance indicators and share plant performance updates with senior leadership.
• Use data-based insights to support decisions and operational improvements.

Experience and Qualifications

• 12 to 15 years of experience in food manufacturing.
• At least 5 years in a senior plant leadership position.
• Hands-on experience with dehydration processes, ideally in onion, garlic, herbs, or spices.
• Proven ability to manage multiple manufacturing sites.
• A degree in Engineering or another relevant technical field.
• Exposure to Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement frameworks.

Leadership Profile

• Process-focused and capable of improving complex operating systems.
• Able to solve challenging operational issues in processing environments.
• Strong customer and quality orientation, with awareness of export requirements.
• Skilled in building, coaching, and developing teams.
• Able to understand team strengths and development needs.
• Collaborative and effective across functions and locations.
• Comfortable leading change and transformation with a results-driven approach.
• Communicates a clear direction and inspires teams to deliver.
• Aligned with the company values of Driven, Curious, Open, and Care.
• Committed to developing internal talent and future leaders.

Equal Opportunity

The employer is an equal opportunity organization and considers all qualified applicants without discrimination based on race, color, age, religion or belief, sex, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law.

Application Notes

Candidates must complete all required application steps, including submitting a resume or CV, to be considered for this opportunity.