Plant Manager – High-Tech Blown Film Coextrusion & Slitting (Food Packaging) Job

Plant Manager – High-Tech Blown Film Coextrusion & Slitting (Food Packaging)

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Plant Manager to lead the operations of a new state-of-the-art blown film coextrusion and slitting facility in Ohio, focused on producing multilayer barrier films for food packaging applications. The Plant Manager will be responsible for overseeing all plant activities, ensuring high safety, quality, and productivity standards while leading startup, scale-up, and continuous improvement efforts. The ideal candidate has a strong background in blown film coextrusion, slitting operations, food packaging compliance, and team leadership in high-tech manufacturing environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of blown film coextrusion and slitting lines to meet production goals in safety, quality, efficiency, and delivery.
• Lead, coach, and develop plant staff including operators, supervisors, and maintenance teams.
• Ensure compliance with food packaging standards (SQF, GFSI, ISO 9001), environmental regulations, and OSHA safety protocols.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using productivity and OEE metrics.
• Collaborate with R&D, Sales, and Technical teams to support new product introductions and process optimization.
• Lead commissioning and ramp‑up of new equipment and production lines.
• Supervise plant budget execution and cost‑control activities.
• Foster a strong safety culture and ensure training and documentation are up to date.
• Follow up manufacturing indicators and reporting systems to monitor operational performance and drive accountability.
• Ensure raw material traceability and compliance with food‑contact regulations.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Plastics Technology, Industrial Management, or related field.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in plastic film manufacturing, including 5+ years in a plant or operations management role.
• Strong technical expertise in multilayer blown film extrusion (e.g., W&H, Reifenhauer, Alpine) with EVOH, PA, PE and slitting technologies (e.g., Kampf, Atlas).
• Demonstrated success in managing teams, optimizing processes, and driving productivity in food‑grade production environments.
• Knowledge of GMP, HACCP, FDA, ISO 9001, and SQF, GFSI certification standards.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Hands‑on experience in greenfield startups or plant expansion is highly desirable.

Preferred Assets

• Experience with W&H, Alpine, or Reinfenhauser blown film lines.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, OEE monitoring, and automated reporting tools.
• Background in food packaging design and regulatory labeling compliance.
• Understanding of sustainability trends such as recyclability, downgauging, and PCR integration.

Reporting Line

Reports to: Global Operations VP or General Manager.

This is a full‑time, on‑site position at the Ohio barrier film coextrusion facility. The role requires regular presence on the production floor and active engagement with cross‑functional teams.

This role offers progression to regional operations leadership or executive technical roles within the global packaging organization.

Benefits

• Bonus: 10–20% (based on EBITDA, OEE, safety/quality KPIs)
• Equity / Profit Sharing: Possible in growth‑stage or PE‑backed companies
• Benefits: 401(k) match, health/dental/vision, relocation, company vehicle/allowance, and tuition reimbursement

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Production

Industries

Plastics Manufacturing

Location

Washington Court House, OH