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Ethanol Plant Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Valero

Process Operator - Lakota Ethanol Plant

Lakota, IA · On-site

$18.50 - $23.25/hr

Perform scheduled Operations Work Requests as requested by Supervisor or Plant Management ... Experience in the operation of a dry-mill ethanol plant preferred. Need more reasons to work for a ...

Valero

Process Operator - Albion Ethanol Plant

Albion, NE

$19.50 - $24.50/hr

Perform scheduled Operations Work Requests as requested by Supervisor or Plant Management ... Experience in the operation of a dry-mill ethanol plant preferred. Need more reasons to work for a ...

Archer Daniels Midland

Ethanol Technology Manager - Cedar Rapids, IA This is an exempt level position Position Summary The ... The technology manager will act as a resource for all plant operations leader and organizational ...

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Ethanol Plant Manager information

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$40.5K

$116.4K

$179K

How much do ethanol plant manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for ethanol plant manager in the United States is $116,420.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $91,000.00 and $140,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an ethanol plant manager do?

An Ethanol Plant Manager oversees the daily operations of a facility that produces ethanol, ensuring that production goals, safety standards, and environmental regulations are met. Their responsibilities include managing staff, coordinating production schedules, maintaining equipment, and optimizing processes for efficiency and quality. They also handle budgeting, compliance with industry standards, and communication with stakeholders. Effective plant managers must possess strong leadership, problem-solving, and technical skills to ensure smooth plant operations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an ethanol plant manager?

To thrive as an Ethanol Plant Manager, you need a solid background in chemical engineering or industrial operations, typically supported by a bachelor's degree and substantial experience in manufacturing or process industries. Familiarity with process control systems, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance, along with certifications like Six Sigma or OSHA, is highly valued. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills help manage teams and coordinate complex plant operations. These abilities are crucial for maintaining safe, efficient production while ensuring regulatory compliance and driving operational excellence.

What are some common challenges faced by ethanol plant managers, and how can they be addressed?

Ethanol Plant Managers frequently encounter challenges such as maintaining efficient production while ensuring safety and regulatory compliance. Managing a diverse team, troubleshooting equipment issues, and optimizing processes for cost-effectiveness are also typical hurdles. Proactively addressing these challenges involves regular training, fostering open communication with staff, and staying updated on industry regulations. Collaborating closely with maintenance, quality control, and logistics teams helps resolve issues quickly and supports smooth plant operations.

What is the difference between Ethanol Plant Manager vs Ethanol Production Supervisor?

AspectEthanol Plant ManagerEthanol Production Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire plant operations, strategic planning, and management of staffSupervises daily production activities, ensures safety and quality standards
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in engineering, chemistry, or related field; management experienceTechnical diploma or associate degree; experience in production environment
Work EnvironmentOffice-based with plant visits; leadership role in manufacturing settingPrimarily on the production floor, hands-on supervision
Industry UsageCommonly used in large-scale ethanol plants and biofuel industriesTypically found in operational roles within ethanol manufacturing facilities

The Ethanol Plant Manager focuses on overall plant management, strategic decisions, and leadership, while the Ethanol Production Supervisor handles daily operations and supervises production staff. Both roles require industry-specific knowledge, but the manager has broader responsibilities and higher-level decision-making authority.

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Ethanol Plant Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ethanol Plant Manager job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,420 per year, or $56 per hour.

Ethanol Plant Manager -- Biorefinery Operations

JCSI

Liberal, KS

$200K - $260K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

Ethanol Plant Manager — Biorefinery Operations

Location: Southwest Kansas (Liberal, KS area) — Relocation Assistance Provided

Salary Range: $200,000–$260,000 ($200,000 base + 20-30% bonus)

Job Type: Full-Time

Industry: Ethanol / Biorefinery / Renewable Fuels

Requirements at a Glance

  • Prior leadership experience running an ethanol production plant
  • 10+ years industrial or plant operations experience, including supervisory responsibility
  • Experience leading a lean-staffed site (small direct-report team, no heavy middle-management layer)
  • Strong safety, maintenance, and production systems background
  • Willing to relocate to southwest Kansas
  • Bachelor's degree preferred, not required

The Opportunity

A 110-million-gallon-per-year ethanol production facility is hiring a Plant Manager to lead daily operations for a ~50-person team through four direct reports (Production, Maintenance, Grain/Rail, Lab Managers).

Compensation: $200,000 base, 20–30% annual target bonus (total cash $240K–$260K+), full relocation package, full benefits (health, retirement, PTO).

Responsibilities

  • Manage daily plant operations to meet production and quality targets
  • Monitor equipment/process performance to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, optimize yield
  • Lead plant safety culture and ensure environmental/regulatory compliance
  • Coach and develop plant supervisors and shift leads
  • Set performance expectations; conduct evaluations
  • Partner with Maintenance leadership on preventive/corrective maintenance planning
  • Serve as the operational link between corporate leadership and plant staff
  • Manage plant budget (staffing, overtime, supplies, maintenance)
  • Own carbon intensity (CI) scoring and pathway management, coordinating with the commercial team

Qualifications

Required

  • Prior ethanol production plant leadership experience
  • 10+ years industrial/plant operations experience with supervisory responsibility
  • Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills
  • Valid driver's license; ability to travel occasionally

    Preferred

  • ICM plant technology experience
  • Carbon intensity (CI) scoring / pathway management familiarity
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Agriculture, or related field
  • Background in chemical processing, grain handling, milling, or biodiesel (secondary to ethanol experience, not a substitute for it)

This employer is an equal opportunity employer.