Job Details

Plant Manager – Hawaiian Host Group

Join to apply for the Plant Manager role at Hawaiian Host Group. This position reports to the General Manager of Ag Operations at the Kapua Orchards facility in South Kona, Big Island, Hawaii.

Base Pay Range

$115,000.00/yr - $140,000.00/yr

Company Overview

Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawaii‑based consumer goods company with brands such as Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, KOHO, and Kapua Orchards. HHG produces macadamia nuts, artisan chocolates, and other products sold in over 23 countries. The company operates three manufacturing plants on the island and supports social & environmental initiatives through its Takitani foundation.

Position Summary

The Plant Manager oversees daily processing and plant operations for the Kapua Orchards facility. Responsibilities include ensuring human safety excellence, product quality, food safety protocols, production efficiency, high kernel recovery, cost management, maintenance reliability, supplier accountability, warehousing, continuous improvement, and overall plant performance. The role is hands‑on, leading front‑line employees and cross‑functional partners to achieve company targets.

Essential Functions

• Oversee all stages of macadamia nut processing: WIS receiving, drying, cracking, optical sorting, pasteurizing, roasting, manual sorting, and sizing.
• Lead Production, Sanitation, Maintenance, Warehousing, and Scheduling functions and managers at the site.
• Provide strong people leadership, coaching, and change management in a challenging environment.
• Apply technical expertise in agricultural plant processing, optical sorter technology, manual sorting optimization, labor scheduling, maintenance/engineering, and CMMS usage.
• Direct all plant activities, including safety and quality programs (FDA, FSMA, HACCP), regulatory compliance, personnel development, training, production planning, scheduling, cost control, inventory, and equipment repair.
• Promote a safe, inclusive workplace culture aligned with HHG values.
• Apply lean manufacturing, bottleneck analysis, and project management for continuous improvement.
• Align plant plans with strategic initiatives to reduce processing costs and meet customer expectations.
• Coordinate cross‑plant collaboration and mentorship by the COO.
• Manage plant budget, staffing, and operational efficiency.
• Maintain high floor presence and engage employees to monitor plant performance.
• Drive safety record improvements and foster zero‑incident culture.
• Hire, motivate, and retain supervisory and staff teams.
• Prepare monthly business reports in partnership with finance.
• Execute additional duties as assigned.

Education, Experience, and Skills Required

• Bachelor's degree in business, engineering, or related field; or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 10 years of production, manufacturing, and operations management in food/ag industries.
• Minimum 5–7 years of general management in a plant or production environment.
• Understanding of product quality standards, regulatory compliance, preventive maintenance, and continuous improvement.
• Valid driver's license and vehicle access.
• Strong communicator, delegate, and motivation skills.
• Effective problem‑solving and decision‑making.
• Basic engineering and technical knowledge.
• Proficiency in equipment repair, hand tools, pallet jacks, and power tools.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication.
• Competency in computer systems and software applications.

Physical Demands

• Work with moving mechanical parts, vibration, frequent standing, walking, sitting, and use of hands to operate tools.
• Occasional lifting or moving up to 25 pounds.
• Vision requirements: close, distance, color, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment.

Additional Information

NOTE: This job description is not a complete listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities. Duties may change at any time, with or without notice.

Hawaiian Host is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

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