Bakery Plant Manager

Working for Sara Lee Frozen Bakery:

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery became a stand- alone company in 2018 when it was purchased by Kohlberg and Company (private equity) from Tyson Foods. We have the feel of start up in many ways, though we are an established brand with a strong customer and consumer base. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit, continually seek process improvements and a strong sense of business ownership, then this is the right type of environment for you.

Our vision is to be the world’s most beloved bakery by creating irresistible foods, growing with our customers, and delivering value for all. We believe that each of us has unique points of difference and experience to offer. We believe that there is always a better way, and we will never be satisfied with status quo. We believe simplicity enables speed. We believe in integrity above all. We live for food, and we “wow” consumers and customers through collaboration and innovation.

Summary:

We are seeking a Plant Manager for our manufacturing site in Spokane, WA. Cyrus O’Leary’s Bakery is a non-union pie facility. This campus has 40,000 square feet with 6 production lines across 4 departments that include single serve pies, fruit pies, cream pies, and packaging. The site has 120 employees and currently operates across 2 shifts 5 days per week.

The Plant Manager is the overall leader of Spokane operations and is a highly integral resource to our Commercial team. In this role you will be responsible for leading from the plant floor, engaging, and inspiring the work force to improve operating efficiency and productivity while maintaining quality and safety. A key component of this role involves enhancing a culture that embraces change and drives continuous improvement. The Bakery Manager should have a proven track record of developing high performing teams in a manufacturing environment. From a technical perspective, the Bakery Manager must bring a track record of leading operational Excellence in a dynamic manufacturing site as well as differentiating capability to improve operational performance through technical expertise, continuous improvement, and strong organizational skills.

Key Accountabilities:

• Establish programs and processes to develop a high performing team.
• Develop organizational and talent capabilities promoting a strong engagement and performance-oriented culture.
• Be the key point of contact and collaborator with functions outside the bakery. The Bakery Manager will be the first and foremost advocate for the site.
• Develop near and long- term plans and strategies to promote talent development, engagement, operational and financial performance.
• Establish a culture of accountability and teamwork by continuing the strong track record of developing and communicating individual and team metrics; KPI’s/objectives in the areas such as: safety, quality, production efficiency, employee relations and retention, and material control.
• Establish a collaborative culture with the indirect departments that drives focus on supporting the core operation while looking for new ways to run the business.
• Improve performance and consistency in establishing critical systems and processes with clear milestones.
• Achieve sustainable and ongoing quantitative improvements in safety, quality, labor, and materials.
• Articulate and drive operating objectives to ensure the Operations team delivers on its commitments.
• Plan, organize, and implement actions to meet customer requirements.
• Lead continuous improvement programs to reduce costs and improve productivity.
• Develop and lead plans and processes to minimize manufacturing costs through effective utilization of people, equipment, facilities, materials, and capital.
• Assure attainment of business objectives and production schedules while ensuring product standards that will exceed Sara Lee Frozen Bakery customers’ expectations.

The position responsibilities outlined above are not to be construed as all encompassing. Other duties and responsibilities may be required and/or assigned as necessary.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, or related field required. Graduate degree a plus.

Experience/Skills:

• The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience, preferably in the Food Industry, as a Plant Manager in a smaller site or as an Operations Manager in a Large flagship operation.
• Prior Bakery experience preferred, but not required.
• 8 - 12 years of progressively responsible management experience in a manufacturing environment known for world-class practices, preferably in the food and beverage business.
• Robust compliance experience in an environment regulated by the FDA is a plus.
• Proven track record of success and has progressed into positions of increasing responsibility. Must have a strong knowledge of manufacturing and business metrics in order to effectively analyze production plans, service, and productivity.
• Technically competent - understands food and beverage technology and can build process and technical capability.
• Strong continuous improvement or Lean Six Sigma and process improvement success record particularly around building a Lean culture that delivers results.
• Strong leadership skills, independent thinking, strong organizational and planning abilities and excellent analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Ability to build a; team – establish individual performance expectations for direct reports and regularly evaluate their performance against organizational objectives.
• A demonstrated track record of driving change and cultural transformations quickly.
• Innovative - an out of the box thinker who strives for excellence.
• Entrepreneurial/Start-Up Mentality - Be pressure tested and able to thrive in environments of uncertainty and pressure.
• Open and Transparent - Be a visible leader and communicator.
• Bi-lingual skills (Marshallese) are preferred, but not required.

Personal Attributes:

The Sara Lee Leader is one who:

• Role Models Integrity - Creates a culture of respect and inclusion, where all team members are empowered to contribute.
• Hones their Craft - Continually develops their skills and expertise to drive self, team, and company forward. Is intellectually curious, asking questions to inspire a better way.
• Values Partnerships - Frames the tough issues and works productively through them. Paves the way for their team to build relationships and collaborate effectively.
• Behaves Like a Business Owner - Perseveres toward a goal, despite obstacles and distraction.
• Always Looks for Better Ways - Leads the charge to build capabilities, processes and systems where gaps exist. Actively coaches and mentors others.

Sara Lee Frozen Bakery provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.