Plant Operations Director

United States·Inver Grove HeightsFull Timemid

OperationsManufacturing & ProductionOperations DirectorPlant Manager

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Overview

We are a high-growth, fast-moving small functional beverage company, scaling internal operations and driving innovation at our new expanded plant location. To support the growth,

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OperationsManufacturing & ProductionOperations DirectorPlant Manager

We are a high-growth, fast-moving small functional beverage company, scaling internal operations and driving innovation at our new expanded plant location. To support the growth, So Good So You recently expanded its operations into a 70,000 square foot plant with the aim to vertically integrate. This is a hands-on, highly visible role where you’ll have the opportunity to directly influence operations, lead teams, and shape the next phase of our manufacturing growth.

We are seeking a Plant Manager to lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, material handling and FSQ, ensuring operational excellence with safe, efficient and reliable performance. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in a hands-on, scaling manufacturing environment and enjoys building systems, teams, and processes as a company grows.

At So Good So You, it is our mission to care for our bodies and the planet. We also believe that work should be enjoyable. We have a fun, high-performance environment rooted in doing more good together, celebrating curiosity, and focusing on what matters. This value set is the secret behind our incredible growth, amazing team, and why the future looks even brighter.

As the Plant Manager you will empower teams, foster collaboration, and align the manufacturing organization with the company’s vision and values.

You’ll:

Lead all plant operations including production, maintenance, material handling and FSQ.
Lead a team of Direct Reports & an extended team of ~40 employees, and oversee ~40 temporary production workers in a 70,000 square foot facility, ensuring clear accountability and efficient workflows.
Coach, mentor, and develop team members; foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Promote safety, inclusion, and alignment with the company’s values across all operations teams.
Champion initiatives to enhance quality and team morale, reduce waste, and improve efficiencies and increased profitability
Ensure full compliance with health, human and food safety regulations and prioritize initiatives to continually improve in these areas.
Develop and lead the plant’s operational performance management system, including tiered daily management, KPI visibility, structured direction setting, and escalation processes to drive results across safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
Develop and manage the plant’s operating and capital budgets while leading initiatives that improve line performance labor productivity and overall manufacturing efficiency
Partner with R&D and project teams to support product innovation and the successful launch of new products.
Collaborate cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing and Finance teams to support company priorities and ensure alignment with business goals.
Participate in strategic planning sessions with cross-functional leadership team
Execute operational strategy, problem-solve day-to-day challenges, and implement process improvements.
Support capital projects, vendor management, and operational readiness as new initiatives are introduced.
Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across all operational areas.

Experienced, passionate mentor who leads with empathy, empowering and developing high-performing teams to succeed and cultivate a culture of accountability and innovation.
Strong communicator who can engage effectively with stakeholders at all levels, from team members to executive leadership, and across external partners.
Champion of sustainability who aligns operational strategies with the company’s values, ensuring eco-friendly practices and ethical sourcing throughout the supply chain.
Collaborative partner who fosters strong relationships with cross-functional teams, promoting teamwork and a growth mindset to support product innovation and operational scaling.
Dedicated advocate for health, safety, and compliance, ensuring the highest standards for food safety, regulatory adherence, and quality assurance across all operational areas.
You are an operational leader who thrives at the intersection of strategy and execution. You can translate business priorities into clear plant direction while remaining deeply engaged with the day-to-day realities of manufacturing. You bring a practical, hands-on leadership style that earns the trust of teams at every level.

Requirements

~1 min read

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, or a related field
7+ years of experience in operations leadership, preferably in food and beverage manufacturing.
Experience implementing operational systems, safety standards, and process improvements.
Strong strategic and analytical mindset with the ability to lead cross-functional initiatives.
Exceptional leadership and servant leadership skills, with a focus on team development and empowerment.
Excellent communication, and problem-solving skills.
Deep understanding of food safety regulations, including SQF and HACCP, quality assurance, and operational compliance.

Requirements

~1 min read

Experience leading plant startups or scaling operations in a small company environment.
Experience working closely with cross-functional teams (Planning, R&D, QA/FSQ).
Spanish language proficiency—ability to communicate with Spanish-speaking team members is a strong plus.