Plant Operations Leader | $90,000–$120,000 base (DOE)+ bonus opportunity up to $25,000 |Location: Greater Kansas City, MO (Northeast KC area)
What Matters Most
• Competitive base salary with generous annual bonus potential (up to $25,000, paid in December)
• Leadership role overseeing a 70–80 person manufacturing operation across 3 shifts
• Join a growing food manufacturer that has invested heavily in equipment and facility upgrades
• Stable schedule with 5-day workweek and 1–2 Saturdays per month
• Opportunity to drive results using a structured lean operating system and improve retention and performance
Job Description
We are seeking a Plant Operations Leader to oversee daily operations at a food manufacturing facility in the Greater Kansas City area. This leader will run plant operations across three shifts and supervise shift-level leadership, ensuring production goals, safety standards, quality expectations, and sanitation requirements are consistently met. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, floor-focused leader with strong people management skills, proven food manufacturing experience, and confidence leading teams through change, improvement initiatives, and turnover reduction.
Responsibilities
• Lead day-to-day plant operations across three shifts, including operations and sanitation coverage
• Supervise and develop shift supervisors and frontline teams to achieve safety, quality, and production goals
• Drive performance using a lean manufacturing operating system and core operating routines
• Maintain compliance with food safety standards, audits, and regulatory requirements
• Partner with plant leadership peers (including maintenance and plant leadership) to remove obstacles and improve throughput
Qualifications and Requirements
• 8+ years of food manufacturing leadership experience (food manufacturing required)
• Proven experience leading multi-shift operations with a large hourly workforce (70+ employees preferred)
• Strong knowledge of food safety audits, compliance, and quality standards in a production environment
• Demonstrated ability to coach supervisors, build accountability, and improve retention and performance
• Must be able to work onsite and support all shifts as required by operations
Benefits and Perks
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Bonus opportunity up to $25,000 annually (based on performance metrics)
• Relocation support may be available for qualified candidates
• Growth opportunity with a facility investing in long-term improvements
Your New Organization
This is a well-established food manufacturing operation producing frozen, all-natural products with a strong customer base and ongoing investment in equipment and facility upgrades. The plant is focused on strengthening operational leadership, improving frontline stability, and continuing to build a high-performing culture across all shifts to scale for growth. If you enjoy leading from the floor, developing teams, and driving results in a fast-paced environment, this is a strong next step in your career.
Your Career Partner
The Reserves Network, a veteran-founded and family-owned company, specializes in connecting exceptional talent with rewarding opportunities. With extensive industry experience, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your professional goals and shine in your field. The Reserves Network values diversity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds to apply. As an equal-opportunity employer, we foster an environment of respect, integrity, and trust in every aspect of employment.
The base salary range for this position is $100K-$120K+ (DOE) excluding benefits, bonuses, or other compensation. Your final salary will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, location, and internal pay equity. Please note, hiring at the top of a range is uncommon to allow room for future salary growth.
