Operations Manager (Value Added Protein)

Position Overview

The Operations Manager will oversee all activities within their assigned area, ensuring that customer orders are produced and shipped efficiently, at the lowest possible cost, while meeting customer requirements and maintaining company-established quality standards and KPIs. This role includes managing a large team and ensuring compliance with all internal and regulatory safety standards.

The ideal candidate will have substantial experience in manufacturing, production, or operations, coupled with strong operational and people management skills to lead their area effectively. They should be an exceptional leader, capable of building, managing, and motivating a high-performing team to maximize operational performance. The position may require extended hours based on production demands, including work beyond regular business hours and on weekends.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities

• Act as the Business Unit Manager for the assigned department, area, or value stream.
• Provide leadership, guidance, and oversight across all departments within the area of responsibility, including safety, food safety, and production operations.
• Direct overall activities to ensure customer orders are produced and shipped efficiently, at the lowest possible cost, while meeting customer requirements.
• Uphold and maintain company-established quality standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to manage and influence the performance of the assigned area effectively.
• Analyze departmental operations to ensure the facility remains an industry leader.
• Share and incorporate best practices from other plant locations.
• Ensure the development and maintenance of appropriate Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all business processes.
• Develop, mentor, and train team members to enhance performance at both individual and organizational levels.
• Monitor and manage inventory, including raw materials and finished goods, within the area of responsibility.
• Establish, track, and report on relevant business metrics.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.
  
  

NOTE: This list presents only the principal duties of the position and is not intended to be comprehensive. The duties and responsibilities listed above may be changed or supplemented at any time in accordance with business needs and conditions.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have the following:

Education And Experience

• Education: High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
• Preferred Experience: Minimum of ten years of manufacturing experience in the meat or food industry, including at least five years in a department management role.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• Valid U.S. driver's license
• Must be 18 years or older
  
  

Competencies And Skills

• Knowledge of USDA, FDA, OSHA, and BRC regulations.
• Demonstrated integrity in employee safety, quality, and food safety practices.
• Ability to understand the organization's vision and translate it into actionable plans.
• Strong people management skills with the ability to hold team members accountable for results.
• Proven ability to build high-performing teams and engage effectively at all levels of the plant, including front-line staff.
• Eagerness to learn and a willingness to develop new skills.
• Capacity to identify opportunities to simplify processes and improve efficiency.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of effectively communicating with diverse audiences.
• Flexibility to adjust schedules in response to unforeseen events or production needs.