Plant Manager; Chemical​/Biofuel

Location: On Site in Morris, Minnesota, United States

Employment type: Full-time

Salary: $120,000 - $150,000 per year

Mission Hires is partnering with a long-standing ag-sector client to hire a Plant Manager for a chemical/biofuel (ethanol) processing operation. The Plant Manager will lead day-to-day plant operations, maintenance, quality, safety, and compliance; drive cost-effective production; develop and manage personnel; coordinate experiments/trials; and ensure regulatory adherence at city, county, state, and federal levels.

• Manage overall plant operations, maintenance, and quality control for a chemical/biofuel processing facility
• Plan and coordinate plant activities, including experiments/trials, with departmental supervisors to achieve manufacturing objectives on time and within budget
• Assist with and/or approve hiring of plant personnel across operations, maintenance, lab, and boiler operations
• Maintain programs and policies that foster a highly effective and motivated workforce
• Identify, initiate, and execute projects to improve efficiency, reduce operating costs, enhance environmental compliance, and strengthen safety
• Ensure 24/7 compliance with all applicable city, county, state, and federal regulations
• Direct, maintain, and enforce the safety program for equipment and personnel; review safety records and uphold maximum safety standards
• Oversee maintenance of plant facilities and equipment; drive repairs, replacements, and adjustments as needed; assist with establishing and maintaining spare parts inventory
• Facilitate clear communication across all plant departments and leadership
• Review and act on reports from supervisors to ensure performance and compliance to goals
• Participate in maintenance planning, including scoping, prioritizing, and scheduling projects
• Plan, schedule, and organize plant shutdowns; communicate timelines with supervisors/managers
• Conduct performance reviews of supervisory staff; set guidelines and monitor evaluation procedures
• Establish and enforce policies and procedures to ensure plant cleanliness and housekeeping standards
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Operations

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing plant operations in a chemical, biofuel, or ethanol processing environment
• In-depth knowledge of ethanol production processes and technology
• Proven ability to coordinate cross-functional activities and meet manufacturing goals in a cost-effective manner
• Experience building and motivating teams; hiring, training, and developing plant personnel
• Track record of implementing efficiency, cost-reduction, environmental compliance, and safety improvement projects
• Strong understanding of regulatory compliance at city, county, state, and federal levels for chemical/biofuel operations
• Hands‑on safety leadership, including developing/enforcing safety programs and reviewing safety performance
• Experience overseeing maintenance programs, equipment reliability, and spare parts inventory management
• Ability to plan and execute plant shutdowns and major maintenance projects
• Experience conducting performance reviews and managing supervisory staff
• Working knowledge of budgets and financial statements
• Proficiency with basic office software (word processing, email, spreadsheets)
• Bachelor’s degree (BA/BS) beneficial but not required