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Plant Operations Manager Jobs in Appleton, WI (NOW HIRING)

Plant Manager

Chilton, WI

$107K - $161K/yr

Plant Manager The Plant Manager is responsible to oversee all aspects of the operation within the Chilton, WI facility. This position manages the daily activities of the plant and is responsible for ...

This role reports to LF's Senior Regional Operations Manager. The Plant Operators will have overall responsibility for operating performance, safety, and environmental compliance of the facility ...

This role reports to LF's Senior Regional Operations Manager. The Plant Operators will have overall responsibility for operating performance, safety, and environmental compliance of the facility ...

Position Summary The Operations Manager is a member of the Store Management team, and as such, fulfills the company purpose of helping people on their path to better health by driving store execution ...

Operations Manager

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

Operations Manager We are seeking a hard-working, innovative, detail-oriented, and creative team player to join our Aptive team! This is a full-time Operations Manager position located in the Green ...

Description Healthcare Operations Manager Location: Green Bay, WI Lead Operations. Strengthen Teams. Improve Patient Care. Unity is seeking an experienced Healthcare Operations Manager to lead labor ...

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading manufacturing operations within a highly complex, high-mix, low-volume production environment. This leader will oversee large teams across multiple ...

The Plant Manager is responsible for leading manufacturing operations within a highly complex, high-mix, low-volume production environment. This leader will oversee large teams across multiple ...

Operations Manager

Appleton, WI · On-site

$59K - $67K/yr

Reports To: General Manager (GM) or Assistant General Manager (AGM) Position Summary The Operations Manager plays a vital leadership role in overseeing yard and facility operations, ensuring ...

The Plant Manager will oversee all daily operations of the plant from production and manufacturing to ensuring policies and procedures are followed and developing processes that will maximize ...

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Plant Operations Manager information

See Appleton, WI salary details

$29.3K

$104.2K

$168.8K

How much do plant operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for plant operations manager in Appleton, WI is $104,167.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $78,500.00 and $129,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Plant Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Plant Operations Manager, you need strong leadership, operational management, and problem-solving skills, often backed by a degree in engineering, business, or a related field. Familiarity with manufacturing ERP systems, lean manufacturing principles, and safety certifications like OSHA are typically required. Exceptional communication, team-building, and decision-making abilities set outstanding managers apart. These skills and qualities are crucial for optimizing production efficiency, ensuring safety compliance, and driving continuous improvement in plant operations.

What is the highest paying job in plant science?

In plant science, senior research directors, plant biotech executives, and plant breeding directors tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding six figures. These roles typically require advanced degrees, extensive experience, and leadership skills, and may involve managing large teams or research budgets.

What does a plant operations manager do?

A plant operations manager oversees the daily functions of a manufacturing or processing plant, ensuring production efficiency, safety, and quality standards are met. They coordinate staff, manage budgets, implement procedures, and use tools like ERP systems to optimize operations.

What are some common challenges faced by Plant Operations Managers, and how can they effectively address them?

Plant Operations Managers often encounter challenges such as maintaining production efficiency, ensuring equipment reliability, and managing diverse teams across multiple shifts. Balancing productivity with safety and regulatory compliance can be demanding, especially when unexpected machine breakdowns or supply chain disruptions occur. Effective managers address these challenges by implementing preventive maintenance schedules, fostering open communication among team members, and utilizing data-driven decision-making to optimize processes. Additionally, staying proactive about training and development helps the team adapt to new technologies and industry standards.

What is higher, plant manager or operations manager?

In most organizations, an operations manager oversees multiple departments or facilities, including plant operations, and is generally considered higher in the hierarchy than a plant manager, who manages a specific plant or facility. The specific ranking can vary depending on the company's structure, but typically, operations managers have broader responsibilities and authority.

What is the difference between Plant Operations Manager vs Plant Supervisor?

AspectPlant Operations ManagerPlant Supervisor
ResponsibilitiesOversees entire plant operations, manages teams, ensures safety and efficiencySupervises daily activities of plant workers, ensures production targets are met
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field; often has management experienceUsually requires a high school diploma or associate degree; experience in plant operations
Work EnvironmentOffice and plant floor, strategic planning, team managementPrimarily on the plant floor, direct supervision of staff

The Plant Operations Manager focuses on overall plant performance, strategic planning, and team leadership, while the Plant Supervisor handles daily supervision of workers and production tasks. Both roles are essential but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What is the highest salary for an operations manager?

The highest salaries for a Plant Operations Manager can exceed $150,000 annually, especially in large corporations or industries like manufacturing and energy. Factors such as experience, certifications, and location influence compensation, with senior roles and those overseeing multiple facilities earning the most.
What cities near Appleton, WI are hiring for Plant Operations Manager jobs? Cities near Appleton, WI with the most Plant Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Plant Operations Manager job openings in Appleton, WI as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $104,167 per year, or $50.1 per hour.
Plant Manager

$107K - $161K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago


Land O'Lakes rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

108th of 432 rated food and drinks producers


Job description

Plant Manager

The Plant Manager is responsible to oversee all aspects of the operation within the Chilton, WI facility. This position manages the daily activities of the plant and is responsible for the proper execution of all tasks associated with human safety, product quality and plant operations. The position will manage the plant costs to ensure spend is in alignment with set budget.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Provide leadership to the overall operation, including Operations Manager, QA/Safety Supervisor, Maintenance Supervisor and Office personnel.

  • Coach and manage performance of all direct reports and entire plant team.

  • Be a change agent for the facility by influencing and inspiring all team members.

  • Ensure materials, equipment, and supplies that are needed to perform daily production are in place.

  • Manage the plant budget and communicate concerns when these are present.

  • Work with internal and external customers to ensure the plant is meeting set expectations.

  • Ensure that human safety is a core value for all team members by promoting a safe work environment and safe work practices.

  • Develop talent within the plant to ensure strong leadership is present at all levels.

  • Manage all plant capital spend by working closely with maintenance supervision and submitting all capital requests and making sure that all projects are completed on time and within the authorized dollar amount.

  • Seek out cost savings initiatives and take action to ensure the plant is best serving the overall company.

  • Support product quality improvements by ensuring all EQMS requirements are in place.

  • In cooperation with Human Resources maintain strong employee relations.

  • Drive continuous improvement efforts via process improvement teams within the plant.

  • Create team engagement to find and resolve production limiters.

Required Experience/Education:  

  • Bachelor's degree and 5+ years leadership experience OR High School Diploma/GED and 8+ years leadership experience

  • ​Strong leadership skills and strategic planning skills. 

  • Must be respected by peers, co-workers, vendors, and internal and external customers.

  • Must have strong customer relations skills in working with both internal and external customers.

  • Requires proven and demonstrated project management capabilities and the ability to diagnose operational inefficiencies.

  • Assignments will be broad in nature and require originality and ability to navigate complex problems and issues and utilize others to find resolution.

Salary: $107,680 - $161,520

In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.


We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its affiliates or search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.    

If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT. 


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About Land O'Lakes

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Join our team and be a part of a 100-year-old farmer- and retailer-owned cooperative that is actively shaping the future of the global food and agriculture industry.

Industry

Agriculture

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Arden Hills, MN, US

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