U.S. Plant Operations Manager (Manufacturing)

HTI is assisting a global packaging company with their search for an experienced, dynamic U.S. Plant Operations Manager for their new start-up facility in Spartanburg, SC. This position is full-time and direct hire, with a salary range of approximately $150,000 - $190,000 / year (depending on education and experience), plus bonus. The company offers excellent benefits, opportunities for growth, and a positive, collaborative work culture. Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or a similar area of study; MBA is a plus 8+ years of proven success as a Plant Manager and/or Manufacturing Operations Manager within the packaging and/or FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) industries Must have recent plant management experience with a startup facility Must have multi-site management experience Must have previous full P&L management responsibility Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and other process-improvement systems; Six Sigma certification preferred Experience with ISO 9001; FDA-regulated industry experience is a plus Proficiency in the use of ERP systems and Microsoft Office Strong leadership and employee development/coaching aptitude, with the ability to build trust and engage employees through authentic and empowering leadership Professional written and verbal communications skills Success managing teams in a high-volume, semi-automated production environment Sound knowledge of financial and safety systems “Safety First” mindset Continuous drive to learn and apply new knowledge Ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams, celebrate shared success, and support others through challenges to achieve collective results Summary Lead the start-up and operational management of the Spartanburg, SC facility, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality production across manufacturing, logistics, maintenance, and quality functions. This role is accountable for developing and executing operational strategies that align with corporate objectives, health and safety standards, and both short- and long-term business goals. They ensure compliance with federal and state workplace regulations, drive continuous improvement to optimize results and reduce waste, manage budgets and performance metrics, and foster a culture of safety, accountability, and workforce development. The plant startup (in an existing building) will involve equipment installation and hiring an initial ~60 employees before Phase 1 of production begins later this year. Phase 2 will double production within the next two years, and then the company will expand to a second facility. Job Duties include: Assist with management of the startup process, in collaboration with the corporate VP of Manufacturing Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring compliance with corporate standards, and all federal/OSHA/state regulations Lead daily operations across manufacturing, logistics, maintenance, and quality to meet production schedules, safety standards, and exceed customer expectations Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve cost efficiency, quality, and service delivery Develop and implement innovative operational strategies aligned with short- and long-term business objectives Ensure effective utilization of systems and resources to optimize material flow, equipment performance, and workforce capability Oversee operational budgets, monitor expenses, and manage KPI’s, including OEE, safety, on-time delivery, and customer satisfaction Lead and develop cross-functional teams through coaching, performance management, and clear communication Ensure accurate and timely reporting of operational performance, including maintenance, staffing, and business metrics Maintain compliance with ISO 9001, FDA, and other quality/industry regulations and requirements Partner with Human Resources team and external recruiting vendor on workforce planning, recruitment, and compliance with federal and state labor laws