General Manager

Join to apply for the General Manager role at Calbee America Position Summary The General Manager provides strategic and operational leadership across all manufacturing and support functions, driving efficiency, safety, quality, and profitability. This role oversees production, maintenance, warehousing, sanitation, and food safety while executing strategic initiatives that enable growth and operational excellence. With a focus on innovation and continuous improvement, the General Manager builds a high-performance culture aligned with Calbee’s values, objectives, and “Japan Quality” standards. Key Responsibilities Operations Leadership Lead, coach, and develop the plant leadership team, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Direct daily plant and warehouse operations to ensure consistent product quality, efficiency, and on-time customer delivery. Drive production excellence through process optimization, automation, and data-driven decision-making. Oversee development and execution of short‑ and long‑term strategic plans using financial and operational insights. Establish and manage budgets, KPIs, and performance targets to maximize output and control costs. Partner with Maintenance and Engineering to improve equipment reliability, implement best practices, and reduce downtime. Lead capital project planning and execution in collaboration with Engineering to ensure timely delivery and positive ROI. Promote a strong safety culture by improving workplace behaviors, maintaining audit readiness, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Champion continuous improvement initiatives and foster innovation across all operations. Food Safety & Compliance Ensure full compliance with all regulatory and internal standards, including OSHA, EPA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, FSMA, and SQF. Oversee sanitation programs and coordinate with Production to ensure equipment readiness and environmental hygiene. Guarantee that all finished products meet or exceed food safety and quality specifications. Champion a proactive food safety culture through training, accountability, and consistent SQF adherence. Continuously evaluate and enhance food safety and quality systems to meet evolving customer and industry standards. Serve as the senior site leader responsible for SQF program execution and audit preparedness. Management & Supervisory Responsibilities Direct and support all plant departments to achieve safety, quality, service, and cost goals. Maintain appropriate staffing levels; approve hiring, promotions, and separations in collaboration with HR. Execute Calbee’s Performance Management System, providing regular feedback and ensuring alignment to KPI targets. Build and sustain a high‑performing, engaged leadership team through mentoring and career development. Ensure consistent policy enforcement and adherence to company and HR standards. Collaborate with Production Planning, Procurement, and Warehouse teams to ensure material and resource availability. Monitor plant performance, identify trends, and implement improvements to enhance quality, cost, and efficiency. Partner with Continuous Improvement (CI) teams to drive measurable operational gains. Maintain plant maintenance schedules and records to minimize downtime and extend asset life. Lead organizational change initiatives to strengthen processes, systems, and workforce capability. Strategic & Financial Management Develop and manage annual operating budgets for labor, materials, maintenance, and overhead. Review and control costs by analyzing variances, scrap, and downtime, ensuring adherence to financial objectives. Recommend and execute capital projects that support growth and improve operational efficiency. Provide timely and accurate performance reports and insights to senior leadership. Build strong internal and external partnerships to drive collaboration and enhance business outcomes. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field required; advanced degree preferred. Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing or a related industry. Proven success managing large‑scale operations and cross‑functional teams. Strong financial and business acumen, including experience in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control. Expertise in safety, quality, and regulatory standards (SQF, HACCP, GMP, OSHA, FSMA). Demonstrated proficiency in continuous improvement, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma methodologies. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all levels. Experience managing automation, capital investment, and digital transformation initiatives preferred. SQF Practitioner certification preferred; Lean or Six Sigma certification a plus. Calbee North America is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to a policy of non‑discrimination in employment on the basis of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, citizenship, ancestry, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital or familial status or any other legally protected status. #J-18808-Ljbffr