Operations Manager

Operations Manager

This role is part of our Purina Animal Nutrition business helping our network of local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers serve producers, and animal owners throughout the United States. Through industry -leading R&D and committed partnerships, we innovate the nutrition products and practices that unlock the full potential of every animal for a healthier, more productive life. 

The Operations Manager will provide leadership and supervision to the production departments and oversees all manufacturing activities to meet safety, quality, delivery, inventory yields, and cost objectives. Manages process introductions, production procedures and continuous improvement efforts for multiple manufacturing areas on the third shift. Provides guidance and direction to production staff’s training and development needs to maintain a competitive and competent workforce within the departments. Ensures strong documentation and communication of shift activities to other shifts and management.

Responsibilities:

EHS: 

Responsible for following and enforcing company environmental, health and safety policies and associated training.  Enforce work rules fairly and consistently.  Provides leadership and participation in process safety related management programs.  Participates in and is responsible for production related actions associated with hazard analysis and process safety reviews.  Ensures that all production departments complete pre-production startup reviews and environmental, safety and health related pre-startup protocols.

Staff/Staffing: 

Manage direct and temporary labor services to provide maximum throughput while minimizing costs.  Ensure products are produced in accordance with plant schedule and required product specifications.  Instill accountability in employees to perform at a high level.  Cross train employees to facilitate flexibility and responsiveness.  Maintain and update production protocols at the customer’s request.  Will perform necessary human resource activities such as coaching, progressive discipline and performance reviews. Cultivate and maintain healthy communications with team members.

Technical: 

Understand operational and technical issues and work directly with plant management and the technical group to identify required objectives and allocate resources appropriately.  Facilitate and aid upcoming equipment or system changes driven by business cost reductions, product innovations/renovations and shifts in inventory management.   Responsible for the safe introduction of new processes and products into the facility.

Operations: 

Provide leadership within the process areas in an effort to drive process performance and improvements to achieve maximized business profitability by increasing throughputs, improve inventory yields by reducing losses, and improving overall morale.  Develop and/or approve production procedures to ensure quality products are produced in a safe and effective manner. Responsible for controlling expenses and minimizing facility repairs.  Provide customer support and liaison with the customer to ensure that their needs are addressed satisfactory.  Prepare and analyze various weekly and monthly reports. Ensure proper paperwork of all run sheets, batch sheets and shift reports are accurate.  Responsible to maintain an accurate accounting of all shift activities. Other duties as assigned

Required Experience/Education:

• Bachelor's Degree and 3+ years of leadership experience OR High School Diploma/GED and 5+ years of leadership experience

Salary: $81,200 - $121,800

In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 500 company, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named #17 on Fast Company's Best Workplaces for Innovators 2026 list and recognized as a winner in the Skilled Laborers category, as well as a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and included on the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O'Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its affiliates or search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested.    

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