What are the responsibilities and job description for the Operations Manager position at Gables Search Group?
Position: Operations Manager
Reports to: Plant Manager
Direct/Indirect Reports: ~200
Role Overview
The Operations Manager will oversee day-to-day plant operations, leading a team of technicians and managers to achieve excellence in safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency. This role requires a strong leader who can inspire and develop talent, drive continuous improvement, and partner cross-functionally to deliver business results. Serving as a key advisor to the Plant Manager, this leader will also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the plant’s workforce and operational systems.
Key Responsibilities
Minimum Requirements
Reports to: Plant Manager
Direct/Indirect Reports: ~200
Role Overview
The Operations Manager will oversee day-to-day plant operations, leading a team of technicians and managers to achieve excellence in safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency. This role requires a strong leader who can inspire and develop talent, drive continuous improvement, and partner cross-functionally to deliver business results. Serving as a key advisor to the Plant Manager, this leader will also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the plant’s workforce and operational systems.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a team of managers and technicians to ensure compliance with safety, sanitation, and quality standards.
- Drive the development and implementation of manufacturing systems that improve productivity, quality, and cost effectiveness.
- Facilitate, educate, motivate, coach, and guide the manufacturing team to achieve results.
- Advance and sustain continuous improvement initiatives.
- Manage employee and labor relations issues to support operational success.
- Define and communicate a clear vision for an effective work system and guide the workforce toward that vision.
- Oversee production scheduling and training functions.
- Ensure business-critical information is effectively communicated across the operation.
- Track performance against KPIs and leverage data to guide decisions.
- Partner with cross-functional teams to ensure timely delivery of goods, materials, and ingredients.
- Serve as a trusted advisor and sounding board to the Plant Manager when evaluating alternatives and new ideas.
- Ensure employees understand the operation’s vision and progress toward goals.
- Effectively manage the operations budget.
- Own and lead an Operational Excellence Pillar.
- Identify, coach, and develop current and future leaders.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree.
- At least 5 years of manufacturing experience. Food manufacturing highly preferred.
- Proven ability to build and develop future leaders.
- Lean knowledge with a strong understanding of a structured TPM pillar environment.
- Experience working in a union environment.
- Demonstrated ability to balance production demands with product quality.
