Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly motivated and hands-on Operations Manager to lead and optimize the day-to-day manufacturing operations across our two growing production facilities. This role requires a dynamic leader who can seamlessly balance tactical execution with strategic planning, ensuring our operations scale effectively in step with rapid business growth.
As a key member of the leadership team, you will play a critical role in aligning production activities with sales demand, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and implementing modern manufacturing technologies to enhance operational efficiency, product quality, and overall scalability.
Our client is a fast-growing, mid-sized organization with a startup mindset, seeking an operations leader who thrives in high-growth, high-change environments and can build the systems, processes, and culture needed to support long-term expansion.
Key Responsibilities:
Operations & Production Management
- Oversee daily plant operations to ensure efficiency, safety, and compliance.
- Coordinate production schedules with sales forecasts and inventory demands.
- Monitor KPIs including yield, downtime, quality, and labor efficiency.
Sales Collaboration
- Serve as a key liaison between Sales and Production teams to ensure alignment on customer demand, order fulfillment timelines, and production capabilities.
- Participate in S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) meetings to provide production input and capacity planning.
- Provide real-time production updates and resolve operational constraints impacting delivery.
Process Improvement & Lean Manufacturing
- Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
- Standardize procedures and workflows to reduce waste, improve output, and ensure product consistency.
- Conduct root cause analysis and corrective actions for quality or operational issues.
Technology & Systems Integration
- Lead or support the implementation of manufacturing technologies (e.g., ERP, MES, automation, IoT sensors).
- Leverage data analytics to drive decision-making and improve operational transparency.
- Collaborate with IT and engineering to upgrade or integrate systems that enhance productivity and traceability.
Team Leadership & Development
- Supervise and develop operations team members including supervisors, line leads, and production staff.
- Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
- Train staff on best practices, SOPs, and new technologies or systems.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
- Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Food Science, Industrial Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
- 5+ years of progressive operations experience in manufacturing, including 2+ years in a leadership role.
- Proven experience collaborating with sales and cross-functional teams.
Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of food manufacturing regulations (e.g., FDA, USDA, GMP, SQF, HACCP).
- Familiar with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, NetSuite) and manufacturing technologies.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and team management abilities.
- Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies is a plus.
Preferred Certifications:
- Six Sigma Green/Black Belt
- PMP or similar project management certification (optional)