Job Description: Ethanol Plant Manager — Biorefinery Operations
Location: Southwest Kansas (Liberal, KS area) — Relocation Assistance Provided
Salary Range: $200,000–$260,000 ($200,000 base + 20-30% bonus)
Job Type: Full-Time
Industry:
Ethanol / Biorefinery / Renewable Fuels Requirements at a Glance Prior leadership experience running an ethanol production plant 10+ years industrial or plant operations experience, including supervisory responsibility Experience leading a lean-staffed site (small direct-report team, no heavy middle-management layer)Strong safety, maintenance, and production systems background Willing to relocate to southwest Kansas Bachelor's degree preferred, not required
The Opportunity:
A 110-million-gallon-per-year ethanol production facility is hiring a Plant Manager to lead daily operations for a ~50-person team through four direct reports (Production, Maintenance, Grain/Rail, Lab Managers).
Compensation:
$200,000 base, 20–30% annual target bonus (total cash $240K–$260K+), full relocation package, full benefits (health, retirement, PTO).
Responsibilities:
Manage daily plant operations to meet production and quality targets Monitor equipment/process performance to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, optimize yield Lead plant safety culture and ensure environmental/regulatory compliance Coach and develop plant supervisors and shift leads Set performance expectations; conduct evaluations Partner with Maintenance leadership on preventive/corrective maintenance planning Serve as the operational link between corporate leadership and plant staff Manage plant budget (staffing, overtime, supplies, maintenance)Own carbon intensity (CI) scoring and pathway management, coordinating with the commercial team
Qualifications:
Required Prior ethanol production plant leadership experience 10+ years industrial/plant operations experience with supervisory responsibility Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and decision-making skills Valid driver's license; ability to travel occasionally PreferredICM plant technology experience Carbon intensity (CI) scoring / pathway management familiarity Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Agriculture, or related field Background in chemical processing, grain handling, milling, or biodiesel (secondary to ethanol experience, not a substitute for it)This employer is an equal opportunity employer.
