Role Overview for General Manager with a Food Co-Manufacturer–Atlanta, GA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, rapidly expanding food co-manufacturer in their search for a dynamic and experienced General Manager. Based at their state-of-the-art facility in Atlanta, GA, this is a pivotal leadership role responsible for the entire scope of plant operations. The General Manager will serve as the site’s top executive, providing strategic direction and operational oversight to ensure the facility achieves its goals for safety, quality, efficiency, and profitability. This individual will be instrumental in steering the facility through its next phase of growth, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and maintaining exceptional relationships with key clients.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned manufacturing leader with a profound understanding of the food and beverage industry, particularly within a co-manufacturing or co-packing environment. You will be responsible for the full P&L of the facility, leading a diverse team across Production, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain, Maintenance, Finance, and Human Resources. Your leadership will directly impact the plant’s performance, shaping its culture, and ensuring it operates as a best-in-class facility. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on a thriving organization, leveraging your expertise to optimize processes, mentor future leaders, and deliver outstanding results for a portfolio of well-known food brands.
Key Responsibilities of General Manager with a Food Co-Manufacturer–Atlanta, GA
The General Manager will have a broad range of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, and financial stewardship. Success in this role requires a hands-on leader who can balance high-level strategy with the day-to-day realities of a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
Strategic Leadership & Plant Management
Develop and execute the annual operating plan (AOP) and long-term strategic initiatives for the Atlanta facility. Translate corporate objectives into actionable site-specific goals and key performance indicators (KPIs). Lead the site leadership team, fostering a collaborative, accountable, and high-performance culture.
Operational Excellence
Champion a continuous improvement mindset throughout the facility. Implement and refine Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize production workflows. Oversee production scheduling to ensure on-time delivery and fulfillment of client orders while maximizing plant capacity and resource utilization.
Financial Acumen & P&L Ownership
Assume full P&L responsibility for the manufacturing plant. Prepare and manage annual budgets, capital expenditure plans, and operational forecasts. Meticulously analyze financial statements, production reports, and cost data to identify opportunities for cost reduction and margin improvement. Report on financial performance to executive leadership.
Quality, Safety, and Compliance Leadership
Uphold and enforce the highest standards of food safety and quality. Ensure the facility maintains compliance with all regulatory bodies (FDA, USDA, OSHA) and third-party certification requirements. Foster a world-class safety culture with a zero-incident goal, ensuring all employees are trained and adhere to safety protocols. Oversee the Quality Assurance department to guarantee all products meet or exceed client specifications and company standards.
Client Partnership & Relationship Management
Serve as a primary point of contact for key co-manufacturing clients. Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships by ensuring exceptional service, quality, and communication. Collaborate with the business development team to support new client onboarding and the launch of new products within the facility.
Supply Chain & Inventory Management
Provide oversight for the end-to-end supply chain functions at the plant level, including procurement, warehousing, inventory control, and logistics. Ensure optimal inventory levels to support production schedules while minimizing carrying costs and waste.
Team Development & Employee Engagement
Lead, mentor, and develop the plant’s leadership team and staff. Champion initiatives that promote employee engagement, professional development, and retention. Foster an inclusive environment where communication is open, and every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to the plant’s success.
Requirements for the General Manager with a Food Co-Manufacturer–Atlanta, GA
We are seeking a proven leader with a robust background in food manufacturing operations. The successful candidate will possess a blend of technical expertise, business acumen, and exceptional leadership skills.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 10-15 years of progressive leadership experience within the food manufacturing industry. At least 5 years of experience in a Plant Manager, General Manager, or Director of Operations role with full P&L responsibility is essential. Direct experience in a contract manufacturing (co-man) or contract packaging (co-pack) environment is strongly preferred.
Financial Management Skills
Demonstrated expertise in managing a full P&L for a manufacturing site of significant scale. Proven ability to develop budgets, analyze financial performance, and implement effective cost-control strategies to drive profitability.
Operational & Continuous Improvement Expertise
In-depth knowledge and practical application of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or other continuous improvement principles. A track record of successfully leading initiatives that resulted in measurable improvements in efficiency, quality, and cost.
Food Safety & Quality Acumen
Must possess a deep understanding of GFSI standards such as SQF and BRC, as well as HACCP, GMPs, and FDA/USDA regulations. Experience successfully leading a facility through audits is critical.
Leadership & Interpersonal Skills
Exceptional leadership capabilities with the proven ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a large, diverse team. Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels, from the plant floor to the executive suite and with external clients.
Problem-Solving & Analytical Abilities
Strong analytical skills and a data-driven approach to decision-making. Must be a strategic thinker with the ability to identify root causes of complex problems and implement effective, sustainable solutions.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant performance-based annual bonus program designed to reward excellence and contribution to company goals.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
Ample paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays, to support a healthy work-life balance.
Career Growth
Significant opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a growing and dynamic organization.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
How to Apply
If you are a results-oriented manufacturing leader with a passion for excellence and a track record of success in the food industry, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. JRG Partners specializes in connecting top-tier talent with leading companies in the consumer goods space.
To be considered for this role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information about our expertise and other opportunities, please connect with our specialized CPG Co-Manufacturing & Co-Packer recruiting team. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how you can contribute to our client’s continued success.
