About the Company
Our client Agristo, a leader in the global frozen foods industry, is establishing a new state-of-the-art production facility in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Plant Director to lead both the startup and long-term operations of this greenfield facility. Reporting to the COO of International Expansion, this senior leadership role will bring Agristo’s “Field to Fork” vision to life through world-class operational strategies, safety standards, quality systems, and team development. This position plays a pivotal role in scaling Agristo’s U.S. footprint.
Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
- Build and lead a high-performing plant leadership team (6+ direct reports)
- Translate global business strategy into actionable 1-to-3-year plant objectives
- Design and implement a scalable operating model aligned with global counterparts
Startup & Capital Projects
- Lead all aspects of plant startup, from commissioning to full production
- Drive capacity expansion projects, including automation and infrastructure investments
Operational Excellence & Financial Management
- Implement Lean, TPM, and 5S methodologies across the site
- Oversee full plant P&L and budget planning processes
- Align plant KPIs with group-wide performance benchmarks
Safety, Health & Environment (EH&S)
- Drive a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with all EH&S regulations
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives in health and safety performance
Hygiene & Quality Assurance
- Ensure compliance with hygiene, GMP, and food safety standards
- Lead internal audit programs and instill a culture of quality discipline across the plant
Customer & Regulatory Compliance
- Ensure readiness for customer audits, certifications, and inspections
- Establish robust food defense and regulatory compliance systems
External Relations & Community Engagement
- Serve as Agristo’s local representative to community stakeholders, authorities, and partners
- Promote strong community engagement and uphold the company’s brand reputation
Qualifications
Education & Training
- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, or a related field
- Certifications in Lean, Safety, or Leadership preferred; MBA is a plus
Experience
- Minimum 8 years in manufacturing, ideally within food production or consumer packaged goods
- At least 5 years in a senior plant or regional leadership role
- Experience with full P&L ownership and greenfield startups in North America is highly desirable
Required Skills
- Strategic thinker with a pragmatic, hands-on leadership style
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- In-depth knowledge of U.S. regulatory, safety, and quality systems
- Entrepreneurial, resilient, and highly adaptable in cross-cultural environments
- Experience in leading teams in a fast-paced environment
- Proven track record of driving operational improvements
Pay range and compensation package
We offer a competitive salary and relocation support for qualified candidates.
