Battle Creek, MI. Plant Director

PLANT DIRECTOR - BATTLE CREEK, MI.

Lead a High-Impact Manufacturing Operation at WK Kellogg Co.

At WK Kellogg Co, we exist to create joy and connection to inspire Gr-r-reat days. We believe that doing good is always good for business and we have stood for this belief since Kellogg Company was founded more than 118 years ago. We are passionate about doing our part to make nutritious foods, create social connectivity and respect natural resources. Together, these actions create positive progress for people and the planet – today and for years to come. We have big plans for how we are going to accomplish this, and we would love for you to join us in this effort.

As Plant Director, you will lead a +350 team, producing over 150M pounds of production annually while fostering a culture of safety, innovation, and continuous improvement. If you are a strategic leader passionate about driving world-class manufacturing, we want you on our team!

Working Relationships

• Reports to the Vice President of Manufacturing, leads a salaried staff of 56 with 9 of those being direct reports. Also accountable for 340 hourly union employees.
• Collaborates with corporate support functions, suppliers, markets, and legislative bodies.

Your Impact

Strategic Leadership & Culture Building

• Engage and inspire a diverse workforce, fostering an inclusive, high-performance culture.
• Champion Integrated Work System (IWS) and continuous improvement methodologies to enhance efficiency and productivity.
• Develop and assess top talent to ensure a robust leadership pipeline for the future.

Operational & Financial Management

• Lead and optimize a large budget, ensuring operational efficiency and cost control.
• Oversee a 24/7 high-volume manufacturing environment, driving productivity, quality, and on-time delivery.
• Establish and communicate clear performance expectations, ensuring alignment with business goals.
• Drive data-driven decision-making, leveraging key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure success.
• Lead the successful transformation the site, integrating latest production and packing capabilities to a achieve a successful project start-up.

Regulatory Compliance & Continuous Improvement

• Ensure strict compliance with FDA, OSHA, SQF, and industry standards to maintain product safety and quality.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing (TPM, Six Sigma, IWS, or equivalent) strategies to optimize production processes and reduce waste.
• Spearhead cost-saving initiatives, delivering measurable operational improvements and efficiency gains.

What You Bring

Must-Have Qualifications

• 10+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing, with full P&L responsibility.
• Proven ability to manage large-scale operations ($100M+ budget, 300+ employees).
• Expertise in lean manufacturing principles (TPM, IWS, Six Sigma, or equivalent).
• Strong strategic planning, financial acumen, and talent development skills to drive operational excellence.
• Experience leading unionized workforces and promoting positive labor relations.
• Demonstrated success in leading a manufacturing site through a transformation, integrating new production and packaging technology and equipment for a successful start-up.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in business, Engineering, or Supply Chain.
• Experience in food & beverage manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on safety and quality.
• Previous leadership experience in a large CPG company.

Compensation Insights

Salary Range: $209,840.00 -$275,415.00

At WK Kellogg Co, our success depends on our most vital asset — our people. That’s why we’re committed to providing you with benefits and programs that support your Total Health and your journey to be and feel your best — physically, financially, emotionally, and socially. Although subject to change, the below are the benefits currently offered in association with this position:

• Incentive Plan bonus eligibility
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• Savings and Investment Plan with Company match and contribution
• Paid Time Off ( includes paid sick time)
• 11 Paid Holidays
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Life Insurance, AD and D Insurance and STD/LTD
• Tuition reimbursement, adoption assistance for eligible employees
• Employee recognition program

The above offerings are subject to the terms of WKKC policies, which will control in the event of a conflict with the above descriptions

Our comprehensive and competitive benefits not only deliver value to you and your family, but also offer choice to meet your unique needs and knowledge to empower confident decision-making.

ABOUT WK KELLOGG CO

At WK Kellogg Co, we bring our best to everyone, every day through our trusted foods and brands. Our journey began in 1894, when our founder W.K. Kellogg reimagined the future of food with the creation of Corn Flakes, changing breakfast forever. Since then, we have embraced the same spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in everything we do, channeling our founder’s passion and commitment to creating high quality and delicious products while fostering communities. Our iconic brand portfolio includes Frosted Flakes, Rice Krispies, Froot Loops, Kashi , Special K, Raisin Bran , Frosted Mini Wheats , and Bear Naked . With a presence in the majority of households across North America, our brands play a key role in enhancing the lives of millions of consumers every day, promoting a strong sense of physical, emotional, and societal wellbeing. Our beloved brand characters, including Tony the Tiger and Toucan Sam, represent our deep connections with the consumers and communities we serve. For more information, visit .

If we can help you with a reasonable accommodation throughout the application or hiring process, please email [email protected]

THE FINER PRINT

The ability to work a full shift, come to work on time, work overtime as needed and the ability to work according to the necessary schedule to meet job requirements with or without reasonable accommodation is an essential function of this position.

WK Kellogg Co is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For US applicants:

Where required by state law and/or city ordinance; this employer will provide the Social Security Administration (SSA) and, if necessary, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), with information from each new employee’s Form I-9 to confirm work authorization. For additional information, please follow th is link .

Let’s create gr-r-reat days,

WK Kellogg Co Recruitment