Plant Manager - Milwaukee

Main Functions

MAIN PURPOSE

The Plant Manager at our bacteria manufacturing facility in Milwaukee will be responsible for overseeing the daily operations, ensuring the efficient and effective production of high-quality bacterial products. This role requires a dynamic leader with a strong background in microbiology, bioprocessing, and manufacturing operations. The Plant Manager will play a critical role in maintaining safety standards, optimizing processes, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

The strategic goals for the plant are defined with the Operations Director and the General Manager of the animal nutrition business unit.

KEY ROLES :       

To provide leadership of Milwaukee Manufacturing Site:

- Provide effective leadership and management support to staff. Monitor and review the performance of key staff [especially Managers] and encourage and provide appropriate development opportunities for all staff to aim to maximise individual’s potential for the benefit of themselves and the Company.  

- Ensure production output is in line with the sales order and budget for the year.

- Maintain site profitability currently measured through plant variance.

- Ensure that working capital is optimised through good stock management processes.

- Ensure the balance of the team is maintained through recruitment and/or succession planning.

- Liaise with the Country Manager/Commercial Director and Financial Controller to ensure the smooth running of the site.

 

Implementation of Strategic Goals:

- Work with the team to plan, produce and promote effective products.  Ensure that appropriate plans are in place for current and future production of products together with appropriate supply capacity.  

- Develop and implement strategies to meet product regulatory requirements.

- Implement and drive Operational Excellence to reduce the cost per unit.

- Report appropriate KPIs to demonstrate success, and liaise with RnD for KPI adjustments and monitoring.

 

Legislative Compliance and Reputation:

- Ensure that the legal, financial and statutory obligations of LAN are met.

- Take overall responsibility and accountability for good health and safety practice and working environment for the protection of employees and others, in accordance with legislative requirements.  

- Provide adequate resources to ensure environmental impact of the Company is minimised and that the Company conforms to its duty of care requirements.

- Manage the Human Resource activities of the operations team ensuring legislative requirements are complied with and internal systems (CHRD) are fully maintained.

- Liaise with the local authorities and other organisations to promote and maintain the image of the Company and the Group in the community.

 

Provide Technical Support:

- Ensure manufacturing (fermentation, drying, packaging and logistics) are executed in an appropriate manner with consideration to current technical best practice.

- Provide technical guidance for engineering projects in conjunction with the Engineering Manager. – to lead all production and development strategies and monitor and evaluate new technologies for their appropriateness to the business.

- Evaluate new products for their ability to be manufactured at the required cost.

- Investigate and advise on adverse events [problem solving] as appropriate.

- Facilitate the implementation of the Company’s Quality system.

 

Communications:

- Provide and communicate effectively all information required by the staff, Shareholders, Board of Directors, Miglos Committee and Lallemand Group. Liaise with the commercial team and provide relevant and timely information to the Lallemand Group, as appropriate.

 

Supply Chain and Customer Service:

- This covers all aspects of planning, raw material procurement, manufacturing, and logistics.

 

Further detail:

KEY RESPONSABILITIES:

1. Operational Management:

• Oversee and manage all aspects of the bacteria manufacturing process, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery.
• Ensure production targets are met while maintaining the highest standards of quality and compliance.
• Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to identify areas for improvement.
• In conjunction with Financial Controller, develop the annual facility budget.
• Manage operational costs through continuous improvements in processes.
• Implement cost effective systems of control over capital, operating expenditures, manpower, wages, and salaries. Update a forecast of same in response to changes.

 

2. Leadership and Team Development:

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of professionals, including production supervisors, technicians, and quality control staff.
• Foster a positive and collaborative work environment that encourages teamwork and innovation.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Identify training and development needs and facilitate appropriate training programs.

 

3. Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Ensure all manufacturing processes comply with industry regulations, company standards, and best practices.
• Oversee the implementation of quality control procedures to maintain product consistency and safety.
• Conduct regular audits and inspections to ensure compliance with Quality standards.
• Collaborate with the quality assurance team to address any non-conformities or deviations in the manufacturing process.

 

4. Process Optimization and Continuous Improvement:

• Identify opportunities for process improvements and implement innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
• Utilize lean manufacturing principles to streamline operations and eliminate waste.
• Collaborate with research and development teams to integrate new technologies and methodologies into the manufacturing process.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements to ensure the facility remains competitive and up-to-date.

 

5. Health, Safety, and Environmental Management:

• Promote a culture of safety and ensure adherence to all health, safety, and environmental regulations.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement measures to mitigate potential hazards.
• Oversee the maintenance of equipment and facilities to ensure a safe and compliant work environment.
• Develop and implement emergency response plans and conduct regular safety drills.

 

 

 

Technical skills

Required

• Technical Proficiency: In-depth knowledge of microbiology, bioprocessing, and manufacturing technologies.
• Proven track record of successfully experiences as a Site or Deputy Site Manager with total site responsibilities.
• Project Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with team members, stakeholders, and regulatory authorities.
• Demonstrated ability to understand manufacturing, business processes and systems
• Proficiency in using manufacturing software and data analysis tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology, Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• 10+ Years of manufacturing leadership experience in all operational functions of manufacturing (preferably in the Food/Feed/Pharma Manufacturing industry).
• Strong knowledge of microbiology, fermentation processes, and bioprocessing techniques.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Safety leadership experience – particularly in the process industry is preferred.

Personal abilities

Required

• Leadership: Ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team to achieve common goals.
• Strategic Thinking: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop and implement effective strategies.
• Quality Focus: Commitment to maintaining standards of quality and compliance.
• Innovation: Ability to identify and implement process improvements and innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated excellent presentation, organizational, analytical, written communication, and verbal/nonverbal communication skills.
• Approaches safety as a core value.

General criteria

Required

• Willing/able to be flexible and work off-shift work and travel as needed.

Organization

Lallemand is a privately held Canadian company founded in the late 19th century, which develops, produces, and markets microorganisms for various markets. The administrative offices of the parent company are in Montreal, Canada. Today, Lallemand employs more than 5,000 people working in more than 45 countries on 5 continents.

Lallemand Animal Nutrition is committed to optimizing animal performance and wellbeing with specific microbial product and service solutions. We develop, produce and market silage additives, probiotics, antioxidants and yeast derivatives for animal nutrition, as well as microbial solutions for animal environment. We serve all livestock markets: ruminant, swine, poultry, aquaculture as well as equine and companion animals. We like to define ourselves as a “field-led science supported” company. As such, our solutions are supported by a strong commitment to R&D and technical support with a team of experts in the field. Our solutions are marketed in over 80 countries around the world, through our own sales teams or local distributors.

Please take note that accommodations will be provided in all parts of the hiring process. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance.