The Plant Manager will lead all facets of operations including production, engineering, maintenance and local support staff in our Iola, KS manufacturing facility. The Iola plant has approximately 550 employees and runs production 24 hours per day and 7 days per week. This role reports to the Director of Operations. The primary responsibilities of this role include:

• Driving a best in class culture for production, safety, quality and employee relations
• Improving safety culture and metrics and driving strong housekeeping/sanitation results
• Supporting and developing continuous improvement programs and instilling a problem solving mindset in all employees to improve efficiencies and reduce costs
• Assuring attainment of business objectives, production schedules, standards and quality goals
• Managing spending against cost metrics in relation to production volume
• Developing and training direct reports, and ensuring a succession plan is in place for key individuals within the Iola plant

TO BE CONSIDERED AN APPLICANT FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SHOW HOW YOU MEET THE BASIC QUALIFICATIONS AS OUTLINED IN THE REQUIREMENTS

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or combination of education and experience
• 5 years of experience as a Plant Manager in a food manufacturing environment
• 7 years of progressive management experience
• Budget and cost management experience
• Knowledge of TPM or similar continuous improvement/lean manufacturing programs
• Knowledge of OSHA and FDA regulations
• Knowledge of Food Safety (AIB, SQF, and FSSC)

Preferred Qualifications

• SAP experience
• Experience managing a plant with a portfolio of 500 skus or more
• Strong leadership and organizational skills, planning ability and problem-solving skills
• Must possess high-level of energy
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Flexibility while working in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to handle multiple priorities within appropriate timelines
• Strong track record of developing direct reports into higher levels of responsibility

Company Description
Russell Stover Chocolates is a leader in the manufacturer of boxed chocolates.  The company’s three brands – Russell Stover, Whitman’s and Pangburn’s - are sold throughout the United States in 20+ company-owned retail stores and 70,000 wholesale accounts. After nearly 100 years in operation the company manufactures approximately 100 million pounds of chocolate candies each year in its proud tradition of being “Made in America” and “Handcrafted in Small Batches”.    

In September 2014, Russell Stover Chocolates was acquired by Lindt and Sprungli, the world leader in premium chocolates.   This was the largest acquisition in the history of Lindt and Sprungli which has operations in over 40 countries across the globe.  Russell Stover Chocolates joins sister companies Lindt USA and Ghirardelli to form a powerful confectionery triad in North America.  

Employment by Russell Stover Chocolates is contingent upon I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification, passing the urinalysis drug screen, education verification, and satisfactory reference and background checks.

Russell Stover Chocolates is an EOE/MINORITY/FEMALE/VET/DISABLED  employer. Principals only please.