Plant Manager in Fargo, North Dakota at Red River Commodities

Red River Commodities is a leading processor of sunflower seeds and specialty grains, specializing in high-quality, nutritious food products. We pride ourselves on our sustainable practices, innovation, and commitment to delivering superior products to our customers. Our team shares core values focused on quality, innovation, responsibility, and community. We work hard, play harder, embrace authenticity, and always support one another to achieve our goals.

Location: 340 40th St N. Fargo, ND 58102

Summary:

We are looking for an experienced and results-driven Plant Manager responsible for leading all plant operations in a high-performance, KPI-driven wild bird seed manufacturing environment. The Plant Manager oversees production, maintenance, warehousing, quality assurance, continuous improvement, labor management, and regulatory compliance to ensure operational excellence and profitability.

Success in this role would require someone who is willing to drive plant performance through measurable metrics, accountability, and continuous improvement initiatives while fostering a culture centered on safety, quality, efficiency, teamwork, and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate is a hands-on leader with strong operational, analytical, and leadership capabilities who can manage a fast-paced manufacturing facility while achieving aggressive production and financial goals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership:
  • Lead all day-today operations including production, packaging, maintenance, shipping, receiving, and warehousing.
  • Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining high standards for safety, quality, efficiency, and cost control.
  • Develop and implement operational strategies that improve throughput, reduce waste, and maximize plant profitability.
  • Establish, monitor, and improve plant KPIs and lead review meetings with department managers.
  • Utilize data analytics and reporting systems to drive operational decision-making.
  • Maintain visual management systems and production dashboards throughout the plant.
  • Monitor plant capacity and labor utilization to optimize operational performance.
  • Ensure effective communication and coordination between departments and shifts
  • Drive a culture of accountability, urgency, and continuous improvement throughout the facility.
• Quality Assurance:
  • Partner with Quality Assurance leadership to maintain product consistency and specification compliance.
  • Ensure corrective and preventative actions (CAPA) are effectively implemented
  • Reduce customer complaints and non-conformance incidents through root cause analysis.
  • Drive continuous improvement in product quality and operational reliability.
  • Maintain audit readiness at all times and support responses to internal, customer, and third-party audits.
  • Ensure proper documentation and traceability procedures are maintained.
• Financial & Budget Management:
  • Manage plant operating budgets including labor, materials, maintenance, utilities, and overhead expenses.
  • Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives without compromising safety or quality.
  • Analyze production costs and operational trends to improve plant profitability.
• Continuous Improvement & Lean Manufacturing:
  • Identify operational bottlenecks and implement process improvements.
  • Improve efficiencies through standardized work, waste elimination, and process optimization.
  • Support automation, technology, and other process implementation projects.
• Leadership & Workforce Development:
  • Lead, coach, and develop supervisors, managers, and hourly team members.
  • Foster a positive, high-accountability culture focused on performance and employee engagement.
  • Conduct performance evaluations and succession planning activities.
  • Ensure appropriate staffing levels and workforce planning.
  • Promote employee training in safety, quality, operational procedures, and leadership development.
  • Address employee relations issues in partnership with Human Resources.
• Safety & Risk Management:
  • Promote a zero-incident safety culture throughout the plant.
  • Ensure compliance with all workplace safety regulations and policies
  • Lead incident investigations and implement corrective actions.
  • Conduct regular safety audits and risk assessments.
  • Ensure employees are properly trained in safety procedures and equipment operations.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Experience: 5+ years in a plant management or senior production role, preferably in the food or agricultural industry.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Food Science, Operations, Engineering, or a related field preferred..
• Skills: Strong leadership, analytical, communication, and problem-solving abilities; proficiency in production planning and process optimization.
• Physical Requirements: Ability to work in an industrial environment, including standing for long periods and lifting up to 50 lbs.
• Proven success in improving operational performance metrics
• Knowledge of Safety & Compliance: Familiarity with OSHA regulations, HACCP, and other relevant industry standards.

Company Benefits:

At Red River Commodities, we value our employees and are committed to providing a supportive and rewarding work environment. As a member of our team, you will enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and opportunities for career growth and development. Below are some additional benefits that we offer.

• On-demand pay available through Tapcheck
• Paid time off
• Paid Holidays
• 401k & company match
• Profit Sharing
• Employee Assistance Program

Red River Commodities and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to all employment practices within our organization. Red River Commodities makes hiring decisions based solely on qualifications, merit, and business needs at the time.

We are committed to maintaining a legal and compliant workplace. As part of our hiring process, Red River Commodities participates in the E-Verify program.

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