Senior Operations Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:

Oversees the production and logistics operations, providing leadership and mentorship to department managers, front line production supervisors, and production operators. This role focuses on leading shop floor personnel and developing the team to achieve performance results aligned with the annual operating budget. The Plant Operations Manager will implement processes and initiatives to enhance production line uptime and promote continuous improvement in equipment effectiveness and employee skills.

This position plays a crucial role in collaboration with the Production and Maintenance departments to achieve plant objectives. The Manager will assist the Plant Director and Controller in creating and maintaining accurate forecasts and budgets for the plant. Key relationships include the Plant Director, plant personnel, Financial Controller, Operations leaders, Maintenance, and others.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The following are general duties that an employee in this position may perform. Actual duties may vary.

• Manage and oversee production departments and on-site warehousing/loading operations.
• Identify and coordinate necessary improvements in plant operations to meet safety, quality, and cost objectives.
• Evaluate business unit capabilities, skills, and resource alignment to ensure performance against objectives.
• Lead realignment and work redesign efforts as needed for executional excellence.
• Establish clear performance and behavioral expectations for all employees and develop functional training systems.
• Develop the team to solve daily operational issues and achieve short- and long-term performance goals.
• Provide leadership and communication to foster a positive culture and shared purpose.
• Participate in the development of the annual operating budget and monthly forecasting.
• Daily review and management of waste, labor, and efficiencies.
• Communicate and collaborate cross-functionally to help the team resolve operational issues.
• Administer company policies and procedures.
• Develop supervisors and managers to enhance functional knowledge and leadership skills.
• Understand and adhere to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in managing a union workforce.
• Manage annual operating budgets for production labor, materials, supplies, yields, and shrinkage.
• Work closely with suppliers and internal customers to achieve expected results.
• Manage food safety and food defense programs in accordance with standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure daily implementation and management of the attendance policy.
• Initiate and oversee project management for facility capital expenditure projects.
• Perform other duties as required.

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, CERTIFICATION:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required, preferably in engineering, business, operations management, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in manufacturing required.
• HACCP / FSMA experience and/or certification.
• Experience with confidential files, documents, and other information.
• Proficiency with MS Office, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Lean Six Sigma experience preferred, demonstrated by the successful completion of a major improvement project.
• Previous experience in a union environment preferred.
• Working knowledge of quality systems, finance, capital planning, project cost tracking, forecasting, economic justification analysis, statistical process control, and manufacturing management systems.