Job Description

ICM, located in Colwich, KS is assisting in the search for a Plant Manager located in the NE part of the US.  The Plant Manager will oversee all aspects of the production facility to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operations. This senior-level position is ultimately responsible for maximizing productivity and product quality while controlling costs.

Duties and Responsibilities

Operations and Production Management

• Production Oversight: Manage the daily production process (mashing, fermentation, distillation, etc.) to ensure maximum yield, quantity, and quality of ethanol and co-products.
• Efficiency and Optimization: Constantly monitor plant performance metrics and implement continuous improvement projects to enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize downtime.
• Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve complex problems related to the production process, equipment, and plant performance, including after-hours emergency response.
• Equipment Management: Coordinate with the Maintenance Manager to develop and oversee preventive maintenance programs and approve proposals for equipment repair or replacement.
• Inventory and Logistics: Oversee the Production Manager and help facilitate the management of raw materials (e.g., grain processing), process chemicals, and finished product inventory, as well as coordinating shipping and receiving of process inputs.

Compliance, Safety, and Quality

• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all plant operations strictly comply with federal, state, and local regulations, including standards set by the EPA, OSHA, TTB, NYS DEC, and other regulatory agencies.
• Safety & Health: Oversee the facility's Health and Safety manager and development and implementation of safety programs fence-to-fence, enforce safety protocols, and maintain a safe working environment.
• Quality Control: Establish and enforce quality assurance/quality control programs to ensure the final product meets all industry and customer specifications.

Leadership and Administration

• Team Leadership: Supervise, manage, and direct all department managers (e.g., Production, Maintenance, Lab) and staff, providing coaching, development, and performance reviews.  Ability to develop a high-performing leadership team.
• Budgeting and Financials: Plan, develop, and control the annual operating budget, capital expenditures, and resource allocation to meet financial objectives.
• Staffing: Manage staffing schedules, lead recruitment efforts, and ensure adequate training for all employees in their assigned areas and specific job tasks.
• Reporting: Prepare and present regular reports to senior management on production performance, financial status, and compliance activities.

Experience and Qualifications

Education

• A Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Technology, or a related scientific/technical field is preferred.

 Experience

• 5-10 years of progressive leadership and management experience in an operating processing plant environment, ideally with a background in ethanol, biofuels, or related chemical/biochemical industries.
• Strong knowledge of fermentation, distillation, dehydration, and related processes in a dry-mill ethanol plant. 
• Strong understanding of Process Safety Management (PSM) and Distributed Control Systems (DCS) is preferred.

Key Competencies

• Leadership and Management: Proven ability to lead and motivate diverse teams, drive performance metrics, and manage complex operations.
• Analytical and Problem-Solving: Strong skills in data analysis, trend interpretation, problem diagnosis, and implementing effective corrective actions.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to interact effectively with employees, vendors, regulatory agencies, and corporate leadership.
• Business Acumen: Knowledge of business and management principles, including budgeting, cost control, and strategic planning.

 Benefits

• Competitive salary 
• Generous company-sponsored health and dental insurance
• Company paid life insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off