Plant Manager

Plant Manager

Location: 4435 Shawnee Drive, Kansas City, KS 66106

Reports To: Ownership / Executive Management

Employment Type: Full-Time

About Emily Kate's Foods

Emily Kate's Foods is a dedicated gluten-free bakery specializing in premium baked goods made in an SQF-certified facility. We are committed to producing safe, high-quality, and great-tasting products for consumers seeking gluten-free options without compromise. Our team takes pride in maintaining the highest standards of food safety, quality assurance, and operational excellence.

We are seeking an experienced and hands-on Plant Manager to oversee all aspects of our production facility and lead our commitment to quality, efficiency, and safety.

Position Summary

The Plant Manager is responsible for all day-to-day operations at our SQF-certified gluten-free bakery. This includes production planning, food safety, quality assurance, employee leadership, maintenance, and continuous improvement. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, deep experience in food manufacturing, and a thorough understanding of SQF and regulatory compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily bakery operations to ensure production goals are met efficiently and on schedule.
• Develop and manage production plans, inventory controls, and staffing schedules.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize yields, reduce waste, and improve throughput.
• Maintain an organized, safe, and compliant production environment.

Food Safety & Quality (SQF)

• Serve as a key leader in maintaining SQF certification, ensuring all processes, documentation, and audits meet or exceed program standards.
• Partner with the Quality Assurance team to uphold HACCP, GMP, and FSMA requirements.
• Ensure all employees follow allergen control and gluten-free handling procedures without compromise.
• Lead plant preparation for third-party audits, customer inspections, and certification renewals.
• Foster a culture of accountability for food safety across all departments.

People Management

• Recruit, train, and develop production, maintenance, and sanitation teams.
• Set performance expectations and lead with integrity, teamwork, and clear communication.
• Promote safety, respect, and continuous improvement in all plant operations.

Maintenance & Safety

• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and ensure minimal downtime.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety policies.
• Coordinate repairs and equipment upgrades as needed to support growth and reliability.

Budgeting & Reporting

• Manage labor and operating budgets with a focus on efficiency and cost control.
• Prepare production and performance reports for ownership.
• Participate in long-term operational planning and capacity expansion initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Operations Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent practical experience).
• 2+ years of experience managing operations in a food manufacturing or bakery environment.
• Prior leadership experience in an SQF-certified or GFSI-audited facility required.
• Strong understanding of HACCP, GMPs, FSMA, and allergen/gluten-free controls.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate teams in a fast-paced, detail-driven environment.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and production management software.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health & dental insurance.
• Paid time off and holidays.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $85, $105,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to Commute:

• Kansas City, KS Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Kansas City, KS 66106: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person