Plant Manager - Dairy Processing

Kinsa is recruiting for a: Plant Manager - Dairy Processing Location: Buffalo, NY Area Mission : Our client, a producer of premium fluid milk products, is looking for a Plant Manager to add to their team. Successful candidates MUST HAVE experience in a food processing plant environment (and/or other singular qualifier under Competencies/Culture below). Compensation/Benefits: 150-180k, 15% bonus Medical, Dental, Vision Paid Vacation/Holidays Retirement Benefits Relocation What you'll be responsible for: Oversee all daily production operations Direct all plant operations to ensure production schedules, quality standards, and cost targets are achieved. Maintain effective communication across shifts to ensure consistent performance. Strong Command of Integrated Business Planning, Master Scheduling, and ERP Systems. Ensure Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance Ensure compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations (FDA, USDA, HAACP, OSHA, SQF, etc.). Partner with Quality Assurance to uphold product integrity and food safety systems. Support internal and external audits, customer visits, and certification renewals Coach, mentor, and develop supervisors and frontline employees to foster a culture of accountability and teamwork. Conduct performance evaluations, identify high-potential talent, and implement development plans. Manage Budget and Cost Control Develop and manage annual operating budgets and capital plans. Monitor expenses, control variances, and identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or safety. Drive Continuous Improvement Initiatives Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and CI efforts to enhance efficiency and reduce waste. Partner with Quality, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR to achieve business objectives. Support enterprise initiatives including SAP integration, sustainability projects, and workforce development. Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs to minimize downtime and extend equipment life. Collaborate with Maintenance and Engineering to plan and execute upgrades and capital projects. Promote a proactive safety culture with zero tolerance for unsafe practices. Lead monthly safety meetings, audits, and engagement activities to build ownership at all levels. Plan for Production Capacity and Growth Develop and execute long-term operational strategies that align with cooperative growth objectives. Prepare for product innovation, new technologies, and changing customer demands. Competencies/Culture: Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management or related field 10+ years of progressive plant operations leadership in a fluid milk processing environment Experienced in food safety and quality systems Experience in maintenance and reliability program management Experience with CI and Lean Manufacturing initiatives Production planning ERP systems Experienced with SQF, HACCP, GMP and other regulatory standards Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need so if you know of anyone with these skills in the food and beverage industry, please pass me their name and email/phone number, or share this job posting with them. Kinsa pays referral bonuses if someone you refer gets hired by our client! Check out our other food and beverage industry career opportunities at . Recruiter Information: Rob Navarro

Created: 2026-03-10