Early Branch, SC
Position Overview: Manager of Operations
The Plant Manager will lead and oversee all operations at the starch and fiber packaging manufacturing facility. This role is responsible for ensuring efficient production of high-quality, sustainable molded products while maintaining safety, environmental, and quality standards. The ideal candidate combines technical knowledge of hydraulic mold processing with strong leadership, operational management, and continuous improvement capabilities.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
· Manage daily plant operations, including production, maintenance, quality assurance, logistics, and health & safety.
· Oversee the manufacturing of molded starch and fiber-based packaging materials in accordance with production schedules, quotas and sustainability targets.
· Ensures inventory and shipment targets are met.
· Optimize material utilization and production efficiency, minimizing waste and energy consumption.
· Implement Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement programs to enhance throughput and reduce costs.
Product Quality & Process Control
· Ensure consistent quality of fiber-based products through adherence to formulations, coating processes, and quality standards.
· Collaborate with R&D to scale new formulations, coatings, and product designs from pilot to full-scale production.
· Maintain process documentation, product traceability, and compliance with industry and customer requirements.
· Ensures facility, tools and equipment are maintained appropriately to achieve compliance.
Safety, Environmental & Regulatory Compliance
· Promote a culture of safety and sustainability across all plant operations.
· Ensure compliance with environmental regulations governing biodegradable materials, waste management, and emissions.
· Lead environmental and safety audits, SQF, ETC. and oversee corrective action plans.
Leadership & Team Development
· Supervise and mentor production supervisors, technicians, and operators.
· Build a high-performing team that embraces accountability, innovation, and operational excellence.
· Establish clear goals, conduct regular performance reviews, and provide ongoing training.
Financial & Strategic Management
· Manage plant budgets, monitor KPIs, and report operational performance to senior leadership.
· Drive cost control, margin improvement, and capacity optimization initiatives.
· Support capital projects, facility upgrades, and new equipment commissioning.
Collaboration & Innovation
· Work closely with R&D, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to support innovation in materials and manufacturing processes.
· Participate in cross-functional projects related to product development, sustainability improvements, and new market applications.
· Coordinates with other departments, such as HR, Finance, Marketing and Sales as an unified team to achieve company goals, including providing any information, resources or innovation necessary.
Qualifications
· Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Industrial Management, or related field would be preferred.
· 7-10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, with at least 3 years in a leadership role within bioplastics, fiber-based packaging, or sustainable materials.
· Strong understanding of starch-based materials, fiber molding, or extrusion/coating processes.
· Proven experience in process optimization, equipment troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.
· Knowledge of environmental and quality systems such as SQF, OSHA, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and food contact compliance is an asset.
· Proficient in ERP/MRP systems and data-driven operational management tools.
Core Competencies
· Leadership & Team Development
· Technical Knowledge of Hydraulic mold processing, plastic fabrication, paper product processing, automotive manufacturing, aerospace industry, or other technological processes.
· Operational Efficiency & Continuous Improvement
· Environmental Stewardship
· Quality Assurance & Product Consistency
· Financial & Strategic Acumen
· Collaboration & Innovation