Assistant Plant Manager

OVERVIEWThe Cedar Rapids plant supports three different operating units (Cereal, Meals and Baking, and Snacks), and manufactures products that generate roughly 20% of revenue for the companys largest and most profitable segment, North America Retail. The plant has over 700 employees, operates under a collective bargaining agree with the RWDSU and has been a mainstay for General Mills over the past 50 years earning Plant of the Year recognition from both Cereal and Snacks Operating Units in FY20.

The Assistant Plant Manager will have the opportunity to lead the Fruit Operations Department, making Gushers, Shapes, Fruit by the Foot, and Fruit Roll-Ups. The volume splits and work schedule vary by platform and the department is in production 330 days a year. It is the most dynamic operations department in the company and consists of over 300 employees in Operations, Maintenance, and Support roles. The person in this role leads teams who keep the team safe, build a team culture, drive out losses, and enable growth.
This role sits on the site leadership team responsible for delivering business performance and setting strategic direction.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Coach, develop and inspire work group to achieve required Human Safety, Food Safety, and Production Results
Develop short and long-term strategies to drive reliability, organizational effectiveness and improvements in key plant priorities and metrics
Create an environment where all employees are encouraged and developed to reach their full potential in meeting department and business goals. Build capability at the production-employee level in the organization
Foster a strong working partnership with all functions to support plant objectives
Ensure efficient, safe, and sanitary processing and packaging
Ensure production facilities and finished products meet the company and government standards of quality, sanitation, and safety
Provide business leadership that demonstrates daily commitment to company, department, and plant goals
Ensure effective interchange of information between operations department and support resources at the plant and from within General Mills. Participate on the Operations Team, including developing and leading divisional efforts and influencing decisions that will impact the plant
Ensure the proper selection, training, development and motivation of the team to maximize current and future performance
Contribute as an integral part of the plant leadership team to drive the plant strategy and culture
Model the Companys Behaviors and Values

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelors degree required. Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Business or Management preferred.
Leadership experience in a manufacturing environment or other applicable experience
Demonstrated ability to effectively engage with the floor including building positive employee relations
Ability to deliver results through others by managing Support team employees and/or leading cross-functional teams
Strong leadership skills including the ability to effectively lead change
Ability to create and lead strategic initiatives
Solid business judgment including demonstrated problem-solving and troubleshooting skills
Demonstrated understanding of technology (i.e. complexities of products, machinery, and costs)
Good financial analysis and resource allocation skills; experience developing productivity pipeline is preferred
Ability to develop and manage a budget

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
Previous leadership role in a 24/7, continuous run, manufacturing environment
Union experience