Job Details

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)