Operations Manager - Food Manufacturing Facility (Leadership Track)

Operations Manager - Food Manufacturing Facility (Executive Leadership Track)

Company: Maryland Packaging
Location: Elkridge, MD 21075
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: Competitive industry standard and based on experience. 
Posted by: Maryland Packaging - A leader in food co-packaging and Co-Manufacturing since 2003, powering innovative brands like Nosh Table & Thyme (premium HPP-preserved gourmet foods), Fusha Foods (chef-crafted, small-batch ready-to-eat meals with no preservatives), and Street Grub Foodz (global-flavor meal bowls for convenient home dining). We're dedicated to helping businesses scale with high-quality, clean-label production solutions.

About the Role

Maryland Packaging is seeking a dynamic and EXPERIENCED Operations Manager to oversee daily operations in our state-of-the-art food manufacturing facility. This isn't just a job—it's your fast-track entry into executive leadership at a growing co-packer fueling exciting brands in the clean-label gourmet space. Reporting directly to the CEO, you'll play a pivotal role in driving efficiency, quality, and innovation, ensuring seamless production for our portfolio of premium, preservative-free foods.

As a cornerstone of our company's success and expansion, this position demands a sharp, process-savvy leader who thrives in a high-energy environment. You'll optimize workflows, maintain compliance, and collaborate cross-functionally to deliver exceptional results. Expect a minimum of 50 hours per week, with flexibility for occasional nights or weekends to support production peaks. Travel opportunities include joining the CEO at industry shows for setup, demos, and networking to showcase our brands.

Your Career Path: Accelerated Leadership Development

This role is designed as an executive training program for high-potential talent:

• Months 1-12: Hands-on training as Operations Manager, building expertise in food production leadership and learning our processes 
• Month 13 : Promotion to Director of Operations, expanding oversight to strategic planning.
• After 24 months as Director: Advance to VP of Operations, shaping company-wide initiatives.
• After 12 months as VP: Step into Co-COO, co-leading growth strategies.
• Ultimate Goal: Transition to COO, steering the full trajectory of our innovative food ecosystem.

If you're ready to grow with a company, not scared of working hard, eager to build a life long carrier with a company, ready to take on challenges and pay your dues that's redefining clean-label manufacturing, this is your launchpad.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage end-to-end facility operations, including production scheduling, inventory control, and quality assurance for co-packed products like Fusha Foods' heat-and-eat meals and Street Grub's global bowls.
• Ensure adherence to food safety standards and regulatory compliance in a fast-paced manufacturing setting.
• Lead a team of production staff, fostering a culture of efficiency and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with R&D and sales to scale innovative packaging solutions for brands like Nosh Table & Thyme.
• Travel (10-20%) with CEO for trade shows, client demos, and market expansion events.
• Analyze processes to identify bottlenecks, driving data-informed optimizations that support our growth trajectory.

What We're Looking For

• Experience: At least 3 years in food manufacturing operations (co-packing/Co-Manufacturing preferred).
• Certifications: SQF, PCQI, or HACCP highly valued—bring your expertise in food safety to the table.
• Skills: Fast-thinking problem-solver with a sharp eye for detail; ability to see the big picture ("forest from the trees") while rigorously following and refining processes.
• Mindset: Proactive, adaptable, and passionate about clean-label innovation. Comfortable in a hands-on role with variable hours (50 weekly, including occasional evenings/weekends).
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Operations Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).

Why Join Maryland Packaging?

• Impact: Be the critical engine behind our brands' nationwide reach— from QVC shelves to grocery aisles.
• Growth: Clear path to C-suite in under 5 years for top performers.
• Culture: Collaborative, innovative team in a modern facility, with opportunities to influence the future of gourmet food production.
• Perks: Competitive salary and benefits package, performance bonuses, professional development, and travel experiences that expand your network.

Ready to package your career for explosive growth? Apply now and let's build something delicious together!

Relocating assistance for the correct candidate. Interviews are held ONLY IN PERSON, we will fly and accommodate and host the right candidate for a face to face interview.

Apply on ZipRecruiter: Submit your resume and a brief note on why you're excited about our executive track. Maryland Packaging is an equal opportunity employer.