Manufacturing Operations Manager

Job Title: Manufacturing Operations Manager

Location: Louisville, KY (Relocation Available)
Job Type: Full Time | Onsite
Industry: Food & Specialty Process Manufacturing
Compensation: Competitive Annual Bonus

Position Purpose

The Process Operations Manager will take full operational ownership of a high-volume plant that manufactures value-added specialty oils for the food and consumer goods industry. This position ensures that production outputs, safety results, product quality, and customer standards are continuously achieved without interruption.

This is a mission-critical leadership role directly impacting:

• Production reliability
• Customer delivery performance
• Cost per pound and profitability
• Plant safety and compliance culture
• Long-term operational improvement and modernization

The right leader will drive both daily operational execution and transformational improvements across personnel, technology, and processes.

Core ResponsibilitiesA – Production & Manufacturing Performance

• Lead daily operations in refining, bleaching, hydrogenation, interesterification, and deodorization units
• Maintain accurate production scheduling aligned with supply chain requirements
• Oversee equipment changeovers, batch consistency, raw material handling, and finished goods quality
• Monitor KPIs such as OEE, downtime, waste %, efficiency, and throughput
• Ensure customer specs, product integrity, and regulatory guidelines are met at all stages

B – Leadership & People Capability

• Manage supervisors and production teams across multiple shifts
• Conduct onboarding, cross-training, upskilling, and ongoing development programs
• Build a culture of accountability, communication transparency, and high engagement
• Participate in talent planning including hiring, succession, and career development

C – Safety, Environment & Compliance

• Champion a zero-incident environment through proactive safety policies
• Maintain compliance with:
• OSHA
• Food safety regulations
• Environmental controls and standards
• Facilitate audits, hazard reviews, root-cause investigations, and compliance reports

D – Quality Assurance & Customer Support

• Ensure strict adherence to SOPs, GMPs, and customer-driven quality requirements
• Work closely with technical and customer service teams to resolve product issues efficiently
• Support customer satisfaction by maintaining reliable and responsive operations

E – Continuous Improvement & Optimization

• Lead Lean/CI, Six Sigma, and TPM initiatives across production lines
• Reduce rework, scrap, and unplanned downtime through predictive and preventive tactics
• Collaborate with engineering teams on capital improvement and technology upgrades
• Identify & implement initiatives that reduce operational cost per pound

F – 5S & TPM Sustainability

• Maintain 5S compliance with structured audits and corrective actions
• Empower operators in autonomous maintenance and reliability ownership
• Track KPIs related to:
• Audit performance
• Preventive maintenance completion
• Root cause elimination for recurring failures

Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or a related field.

• 10 years of experience in operations management or a related role in an industrial or manufacturing environment.
• Proven leadership skills with experience managing frontline operations teams.
• Strong knowledge of production processes, safety regulations, and quality standards.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, and TPM is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively across multiple functions and manage change effectively.
• Strong analytical skills with experience using operational data and KPIs to drive decisions.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance (OSHA, environmental regulations) and industry best practices.
• Ability to manage budgets and resources efficiently

Preferred Candidate Attributes

• Able to lead through influence and energize cross-functional teams
• Excels in fast-paced environments where priorities shift based on customer needs
• Track record of measurable operational improvement
• Passion for modernizing legacy systems and developing technical talent

Benefits and Total Rewards

• Competitive salary 10% Target Bonus
• Medical, Dental & Vision coverage from Day 1
• HSA with employer contribution ($1,000–$1,500 annually)
• 401(k) match — 100% of first 3%, 50% of next 3%
• Life & Disability Insurance provided
• Supplemental options:
• Pet Insurance
• Identity Theft
• Legal Assistance
• Paid training & certification reimbursement
• Paid community involvement & recognition events
• Discounts: Travel, entertainment, and lifestyle perks

Why This Role Matters

This position directly influences:
✔ Plant growth strategy
✔ Long-term operational reliability
✔ Customer trust and market competitiveness
✔ Sustainability and better-for-the-planet product innovation

You will help supply essential ingredients used in:

• Chocolate & confectionery products
• Bakery and dairy items
• Plant-based foods
• Specialized nutrition & personal care products

This leader will play a key role in serving global brands and improving the quality of products used by millions every day.

Pay: $120,627.34 - $180,626.47 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $1,000 - $1,500