Job Description

We make pet food taste great! For over 30 years, AFB International has been providing pet food solutions that enrich the lives of pets and their people. Our palatants are specially designed to make pet foods, treats and supplements taste better, ensuring pets receive the vital nutrients they need. We know wagging tails, licking whiskers and empty bowls equal happy pets and happy pet parents. Join AFB and you'll be a part of a team of highly skilled professionals that provide the greatest contribution to our success as an organization. Our team members are diverse, creative, passionate experts who are genuinely dedicated to our mission, our customers, and the pets we serve worldwide. ​

Job Description

AFB International, a recognized leader in the pet food industry, has been enhancing the lives of pets and their owners for over 30 years. Our specialized palatants improve the flavor and nutritional value of pet foods, treats, and supplements, ensuring pets receive the essential nutrients they need. As part of Ensign-Bickford Industries, Inc. (EBI), a privately-owned high-technology conglomerate, AFB International operates across multiple global locations, including North America (global headquarters), Europe, Latin America and Asia Pacific.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a highly skilled and dynamic Plant Manager to lead our operations at our O'Fallon, Missouri facility. In this role, you will have the opportunity to manage day-to-day operations while driving operational excellence, efficiency, and employee engagement, all aligned with AFB’s Core Value Drivers. This position is located at a union site, where you will play a key role in fostering positive labor relations and ensuring smooth collaboration with the workforce.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Leadership: Oversee and coordinate daily business activities, leveraging AFB’s operating system (EBOS) to achieve optimal results in People, Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead the site Operations team in the consistent execution of 5S principles, visual management, and continuous improvement initiatives. Analyze performance metrics to identify opportunities for improvement and address operational challenges.
• Business Operating System Deployment: Take an active role in deploying EBOS (internal operating system) both within your immediate area of responsibility and across the site, ensuring its widespread adoption and integration.
• Financial Management: Achieve financial goals outlined in the 5-year strategic plan and annual budget. Develop and manage budgets, ensuring expenses remain within approved limits while driving profitability.
• Strategic Planning: Engage in the Sales, Inventory, and Operations Planning (SIOP) process to make data-driven decisions on inventory management, resource allocation, and manufacturing strategies. Collaborate with the Global Supply Chain team to ensure efficiency and effective contingency planning.
• Employee Engagement & Development: Cultivate a high-performance culture centered around employee engagement and teamwork. Support managerial effectiveness, encourage professional growth, and facilitate succession planning.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (Engineering or Business Administration preferred).
• Proven experience in plant management or manufacturing leadership, ideally within the food or consumer goods industries.
• Leadership experience overseeing Engineering, Maintenance, and Operations teams, with a proven track record of improving performance and driving results.
• Expertise in operational processes, including 5S, visual management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Strong financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost management, and profitability optimization.
• Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills, with a focus on driving employee engagement and development.
• Experience working in or managing a unionized environment is highly preferred.
• A collaborative approach to cross-functional work, particularly with global supply chain and operational teams.

Why AFB International?

At AFB International, we are committed to the success and development of our people. As a Plant Manager, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on site performance, operational culture, and overall organizational success. As a privately held company, AFB offers long-term decision-making and a focus on sustainable growth, enabling you to contribute to meaningful change within a forward-thinking organization.

We offer a competitive compensation package, comprehensive benefits, and a diverse, collaborative workplace where your contributions will be recognized and your professional development supported. Join us at AFB International, where your expertise can drive innovation and success.

AFB International is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, national origin, or veteran status.