Operations Manager

Position Summary:

Directs all Production Department activities to achieve continuous, efficient operations within the parameters of plant policies, goals and objectives. Manages department to produce the lowest cost, highest quality products in a clean, safe and caring environment.

Essential Duties and Requirements include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Directs the manufacture of company products at lowest cost consistent with quality/quantity standards; develops and implements methods of achieving plant goals within established parameters of waste, efficiency, lost time and budgeted manning.
• Conducts daily meetings with staff to plan operations for 3-shifts and establish priorities; coordinates department activities with inter-related plant operations to ensure optimum production and utilization of manpower, machines and equipment.
• Directs scheduling activities in consultation with shipping/sales; ensures that standards are accurate, complete and up-to-date; plans for and controls crew level stability, vacation scheduling and long-term crewing requirements to minimize lay-offs and temporary hiring.
• Monitors all operations regularly and systematically to evaluate efficiency of product lines; keeps Plant Manager advised on all matters affecting production and recommends methods and procedures designed to eliminate operating problems, improve productivity and effect cost savings.
• Consults with Maintenance Manager to coordinate efforts and develop action plans for the proper maintenance of machines, equipment and facilities; utilizes knowledge and technical expertise to advise on persistent problems and major breakdowns; serves as primary liaison between Production and Maintenance throughout planning, design and installation phases of capital/improvement projects.
• Enforces quality and safety standards throughout the Production Department and ensures good housekeeping practices are maintained; reviews consumer complaints with staff and oversees adherence to proper recall procedures.
• Participants in the development of new products and product lines; coordinates plant and packaging trials with applicable departments, customers and vendors; initiates capital spending recommendations to support future growth and profitability of Plant Operations.
• Coordinates plant departments to provide advice and recommendations on production related matters; maintains effective communications and working relationships, and resolves any conflicts arising between operating groups or staff units.
• Directs Production Department cost functions including budgets, daily variances, waste and downtime; reviews standards with Shift Supervisors and submits revisions as appropriate; works with Cost Department to identify and correct problems reporting, manning and efficiencies; oversees preparation and maintenance of required reports, cost estimates and forecasts.
• Participates in the development of current and long-term programs, plans and strategies in support of Plant objectives; assist Plant Manager in formulating policies and goals covering operations, personnel, financial performance and growth; assumes responsibilities of Plant Manager during absences.
• Authorizes recruitment, termination and promotion of employees; determines standards of behavior and ensures disciplinary procedures are carried out consistently, according to company policies; coordinates any manning or operational changes with management committee and participates directly in personnel/industrial relations activities.
• Provides leadership, direction and support to management team to stimulate maximum efficiency and productivity of both supervisors and production workers; delegates and defines responsibilities and authorities of managers regarding policies, expenditures and personnel actions; coordinates organizational changes and initiates programs to ensure proper employee training and development; evaluates performance of immediate staff and recommends salary adjustments to Plant Manager.
• Insures that all Production Department activities are carried out in compliance with Local, State and Federal regulations governing business operations.
• Provide leadership and direction to subordinates; completes performance and personal development evaluations; reviews and recommends training and development requirements and programs; recommends salary adjustments; conducts information sessions with staff.
• Responsible for promoting food safety and employee safety throughout the organization.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• This job has supervisory responsibilities for Production supervisors.

Qualifications

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education and/or Experience

Undergraduate degree in Business Management or equivalent training or experience is required. Eight to 10 years prior manufacturing experience, with progressively responsible management responsibilities.