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.

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Plant Director

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