Plant Operations Manager - SmartSearch, Inc.

Position: Plant ManagerMissionThe Plant Manager will relieve the CEO of plant-related responsibilities, enabling focus on business growth. The role involves driving profitability, efficiency, and cultural transformation, while maintaining the family-business values.Key ResponsibilitiesImmediate (First 90 Days): Assume the role of Production Manager, working hands-on with the team.Long-Term: Lead the plant's transformation into a professional, efficient operation. Balance operational excellence with preserving the company's family-oriented culture.Accountability & Leadership: Establish a culture of accountability and lead cross-functional teams, overseeing production, purchasing, maintenance, and shipping.Company OverviewPast: A stable family-run business with over 100 employees, focused on throughput without formal leadership or profitability tracking.Present: Positioned for 50% capacity growth, implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) to professionalize and scale operations.Future: Transitioning to a structured leadership team with the Plant Manager playing a key role in scaling and accountability, while preserving the company's core family values.Candidate ProfileExperience: Proven track record in transforming family-owned businesses into professionally run organizations, ideally in food manufacturing with FDA-regulated experience.Skills: Native-level Spanish fluency; expertise in financial tools (e.g., EBITDA, contribution margin); process improvement and optimization without the need for extensive Six Sigma qualifications.Leadership: Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor, manage teams, and oversee operations.Key QualitiesWisdom & Emotional Intelligence: Ability to think strategically, anticipate long-term outcomes, and balance competing priorities with emotional intelligence.Cultural Fit: Understands and appreciates the work ethic of an immigrant-run company. Capable of maintaining the positive aspects of the current culture while driving professionalization.Flexibility: Willing to be hands-on, especially in the first 90 days.Cultural FitThe ideal candidate will lead the company through professionalization while preserving its immigrant roots and family values. Leadership, humility, and the ability to act as a strategic partner to the CEO are essential for success.