Job Description

Key operational leader responsible for managing all aspects of the Operations and CI departments in a high-volume food manufacturing facility. This role ensures that safety, quality, efficiency, and cost targets are met while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. The position is designed as a developmental role for future promotion to Plant Director.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations across multiple lines to meet output, quality, and safety goals.
• Supervise and develop production supervisors and frontline teams. Larger or more complex plants will also include Operations Shift Managers that report into.
• Lead continuous improvement activities for the site, including direct supervision of the CI Manager.
• Monitor and improve KPIs including throughput, yield, labor efficiency, and downtime.
• Ensure compliance with food safety standards (e.g., SQF, HACCP, GMP) and regulatory requirements.
• Partner with Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve issues and optimize performance. The Assistant Plant Director will be a leader amongst peers on the Plant Leadership Team.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using TPM or other methodologies.
• Support, and lead, capital projects and equipment upgrades within the production and warehouse areas.
• Serve as acting Plant Director when needed and participate in strategic planning. This includes, but is not limited to, OPC (cost) planning, VCP initiatives, 9-box calibration, succession planning and annual capital planning
• Lead process to create Site Masterplan, lead GAP closure updates, and ensure the site is embracing and owning the SHOP principles.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing, with at least 2 years in a production leadership role.
• Strong understanding of food safety, manufacturing processes, and labor management.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and deliver results.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with ERP systems and production planning tools.

Career Path

This role is intended for high-potential candidates preparing for promotion to Plant Director . The successful candidate will receive mentorship, strategic exposure, and leadership development opportunities.

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