Plant Manager / General Manager

* Category: Operations
* Location: Paramus, NJ  
* Relocation: No – Local Candidates Only
* Salary Range: Base 180K to 225K plus

Summary

Our client is a growing manufacturer of specialty flavors, fragrances and chemicals based in the Paramus, NJ area. Due to recent expansion, they are looking for an experienced Plant Manager/General Manager to oversee this liquid processing plant with approximately 75 employees. 

This plant, makes liquid products and will oversee the Fragrance Division, including: Manufacturing, Warehousing & Logistics, the Fragrance QC Laboratory, Purchasing, and Customer Service. This role is responsible for ensuring that all production, quality, service, and supply chain functions operate with precision, efficiency, and alignment to customer and business needs.

The Plant Manager – General Manager provides strategic vision and hands-on leadership across a diverse set of teams, driving operational excellence, capacity and resource planning, workforce development, safety performance, quality systems, and customer experience. This position plays a critical role in advancing organizational goals by improving processes, optimizing performance, managing plant-level financials, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• • Lead all plant operations, ensuring safety, quality, on-time delivery, and efficiency targets are met.
  • Set departmental goals, KPIs, and performance expectations across all reporting functions.
  • Oversee production planning, capacity forecasting, labor planning, and workflow optimization.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen operational stability.
  • Partner with Purchasing to manage supplier performance, inventory levels, and material availability.
  • Support the Customer Service team in delivering best-in-class communication, responsiveness, and order accuracy.
  • Provide oversight to the Fragrance QC Lab to ensure testing accuracy, compliance, and timely approvals.
  • Maintain full compliance with all EH&S, OSHA, regulatory, and corporate governance requirements.
  • Manage budgets, capital investments, cost controls, and financial performance for the plant.
  • Develop talent, mentor department heads, and cultivate a high-performance culture rooted in accountability and teamwork.
  • Strengthen cross-functional collaboration with Sales, Finance, HR, and R&D to support business objectives.
  • Serve as an escalation point for operational, quality, customer service, and supply chain issues.
  • Direct reports include: Manufacturing Manager, Warehouse Manager, Lab Manager (QC/GC), Purchasing Manager and Customer Service Manager

Requirements

• Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing or operations within liquid processing: i.e.:  fragrances, flavors, chemicals, cosmetics, food or other regulated, liquid manufacturing environments.
• 5+ years of senior leadership experience overseeing multiple functional departments through department heads.
• Demonstrated success improving operational performance, quality, and supply chain reliability.
• Experience with ERP systems, production planning, and inventory management.
• Proven track record leading continuous improvement, Lean, Six Sigma, or related initiatives. 
• Strong understanding of liquid, batch manufacturing processes and quality standards.
• Deep knowledge of EH&S regulations, safety protocols, and compliance requirements.
• Financial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting, and Operations cost management.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and cross-functional partnership skills.
• A thought leader with the ability to lead and influence diverse teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment producing custom make to order products on short lead times. 
• Leadership & Influence – Ability to motivate, develop, and hold teams accountable.
• Operational Excellence – Strong problem-solving, process improvement, and execution skills.
• Strategic Thinking – Ability to balance day-to-day operations with long-term planning.
• Communication & Collaboration – Clear, transparent communication across all organizational levels.
• Customer Focus – Ensures service reliability and customer satisfaction.
• Decision-Making – Makes data-driven decisions with urgency and accuracy.
• Adaptability – Thrives in a fast-moving environment with shifting priorities.

• Office/Corporate & production/warehouse environment.
• Regular exposure to aroma chemicals, fragrances, temperature variations, and production equipment.
• Must be able to move throughout the facility, including production and warehouse areas.

In return, they can offer a competitive base salary, generous bonus, full benefits and ample opportunity for career advancement. Send resume to: jobs@foodemployment.com