Operations Manager

SUMMARY  

As Operations Manager, you will lead the Hazelwood operations for Nature’s Bakery on third shift. This is a critical leadership role for the execution of company plans, and a key contributor to ensuring we are modeling the values the company was founded on. This role reports to the Plant Director, but will partner very closely with the Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, Human Resources, Finance, and IT teams. All operations employees on shift will have a dotted line reporting structure into this role.  This position is the first point of contact for anything on shift.  

 ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Conversion - Manage the efforts of operating teams of multiple lines or technologies within a value stream across third shift with an efficient conversion of materials into quality products in a safe, secure and sanitary manner within the product design specifications and budgets.  Directly and indirectly manage a cross-functional team in the overall operation of the value stream, including Activity Management, Machine rates, Maintenance and Engineering projects, Research and Development improvements.  Works with HR to improve and maintain the appropriate staffing levels.

Nature’s Bakery Operating System – Advocate and actively support the site Daily Management System. Participate in value stream information flow and escalation processes as required. Proactively participate and coach direct and indirect reports and others in the Value Stream Operating System.  Ensure all Value Stream SOP’s are created and up to date annually.  Conduct and Lead CI Teams within the value stream, and Coordinate PM downtime.

Change Agent - Recommend and implement changes in methods, equipment, systems and organization, as needed, to assure that the objectives of the area are met.  Deliver area requirements by influencing and gaining co-operation from other departments (Engineering, Quality Services, Maintenance and Scheduling/Logistics).

Associate Advocacy - Proactively manage associate relations issues; guide and direct the hiring, training, retraining, development and motivation of Operations associates following teamwork principles with a minimum degree of guidance from the Plant Director.  Drive Associate engagement through a foundation of teamwork and individual accountability.

Food Safety and Product Quality – Assure the ongoing production of safe and defect free products consistent with the principles of Nature’s Bakery.  HACCP proficiency is required; this manager owns ongoing training and championing of quality goals and improvements at the area level. 

Goal Setting and Measurement - Utilizing Operations teams, establish area performance standards and goals based on site goals and strategies; measure, control, take corrective action and report results as appropriate in all areas of responsibility.  Annually assist in development of area budgets and KPI targets.

Troubleshooting - Manage/guide the technical area coverage resources for the troubleshooting and repair of process/packaging equipment problems, with the objective of effectively utilizing these resources to achieve desired performance levels.

Communications - Ensure that open communications are established and that opportunities to broaden the scope and responsibility of Operations teams/associates are undertaken.  The Operations Manager is the key resource to deliver regular business performance updates.

Technology Advancement - Advise the Plant Manager when opportunities exist for moving the area forward in technological change.  Recommend improvements, which would result in new and improved equipment and or methods to minimize production costs and improve quality.

 Area Strategy - Participate with the Plant Director and other Operations support associates in the implementation of short- and long-term improvement strategies that will enable more effective and efficient Value Stream performance.

Value Stream Strategy – Participate with other managers in Planning, Sourcing, Delivery, Engineering, and Strategic business roles in the development and implementation of continuous improvement strategies that will drive the overall supply pipeline.

Associate Development - With the support and participation of the site leadership team, evaluate exempt and non-exempt associate performance.  In conjunction with associates’ career goals, create development plans to challenge their potential.

Personal Development - Keep abreast of managerial and technical competencies both within and outside Nature’s Bakery.  Proactively seek opportunities and incorporate them into annual development plans.

Site Management – The incumbent of this position must be prepared to act on behalf of the Plant Director in his/her absence, i.e., protection of human and physical assets, and Crisis Management.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The following list that follows is representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required:

• Technical experience in a high-speed manufacturing environment.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Effective interpersonal skills with the ability to work with all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize and execute. Results oriented.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• BS/BA in engineering, scientific discipline or similar applied field strongly preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience within a consumer products (CPG) environment is required, with preference for both breadth and depth of operational experience.
• Depth of continuous improvement and problem-solving experience
• FSMA/PCQI certifications preferred.
• Audit experience with regulatory bodies (FDA/USDA) and third-party audits (SQF/AIB)
• Proficient user of ERP tools
• Strong project management and coordination skills.

OTHER DUTIES

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.