Plant Manager

Universal Corporation

. Lead all plant operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant aseptic manufacturing .

Posted 9/22/2026full-timeLancaster • Pennsylvania • United StatesSeniorLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in leading plant operations with a focus on aseptic manufacturing, compliance with food safety regulations, and continuous improvement in production efficiency. Proven ability to manage cross-functional teams and drive operational excellence in the food and beverage industry.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Aseptic Manufacturing LeadershipUHT/HTST Processing ExpertiseFood Safety ComplianceLean / Six Sigma / TPM CertificationOperations Change Agent Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Production ManagementRisk ManagementAseptic FillingContamination ControlProcess ValidationShelf-Life StudiesAllergen ControlNutritional FormulationsCapital Project ManagementHygienic Design

Soft Skills

LeadershipCommunicationBusiness AcumenTeam DevelopmentEngagement

Certifications & Qualifications

Lean CertificationSix Sigma CertificationTPM Certification

Industry Keywords

FDAFSMAFSSC 22000HACCPGMPFood and Beverage ManufacturingHigh-Speed ManufacturingCross-Functional CollaborationEHS ProgramsOperational Excellence

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead all plant operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant aseptic manufacturing
Provide technical leadership for UHT/HTST processing, aseptic filling, CIP/SIP, contamination control, and hygienic design
Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory standards including FDA, FSMA, FSSC 22000, HACCP, and GMP
Serve as site leader for regulatory inspections, third-party audits, and customer audits
Drive continuous improvement to improve safety, quality, yield, OEE, and cost performance
Lead and develop cross-functional teams across production, engineering, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and EHS
Oversee process validation, aseptic qualifications, shelf-life studies, and new product introductions
Manage allergen control programs in a multi-product aseptic environment
Own plant P&L, budgets, operating costs, and capital investments
Lead capital projects including aseptic line expansions, equipment upgrades, and technology implementation
Champion EHS programs and foster a strong safety and food safety culture
Collaborate with R&D, Quality, and Commercial teams to support growth in coffee, tea, juice, plant-based, acidified dairy, and nutritional products
Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, engagement, and long-term operational excellence

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations or supply chain
Chemical engineering highly preferred
12–15 years of experience in food and beverage manufacturing
5–7 years of senior plant or operations leadership experience
Prior experience in the high-speed manufacturing industry preferred
In-depth knowledge of production management, operations, risk management, and food safety regulations strongly preferred
Hands-on experience with coffees/teas, juice and other plant-based, acidified dairy, and nutritional products
Strong understanding of UHT, aseptic filling, and hygienic design
Experience with allergen control and nutritional formulations
Lean / Six Sigma / TPM certification preferred
Excellent leadership, communication, and business acumen
Proven experience as an operations change agent within a manufacturing facility
Must be authorized to work in the United States

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical insurance
Dental insurance
Vision insurance
Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
Health Savings Account (HSA)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Identity theft protection
401(k)
Paid time off (PTO)