Job Description

At Sensient Technologies, we are experts in the science, art and innovation of color and flavor. We are market-savvy and visionary. We are problem solvers. And we will be better with you.

We are seeking an Operations Manager to join our team in Turlock, CA. If you are a food manufacturing leader who enjoys building strong teams, improving manufacturing performance, and seeing your work directly impact customers, this role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day. This position is well suited for someone who thrives in a hands-on plant setting, values accountability, and enjoys balancing people leadership with operational excellence.

What you’ll do

• Lead daily production operations across multiple departments, ensuring safety, quality, sanitation, maintenance, scheduling, and service expectations are consistently met
• Guide and support supervisors and teams by setting clear expectations, removing obstacles, and reinforcing company policies related to cost control, quality, and customer satisfaction
• Oversee operational planning, including production schedules, inventory levels, and resource utilization to support reliable supply and on time delivery
• Review operational data to identify trends, address performance gaps, reduce product loss, and improve yields and efficiency
• Support the introduction and scale up of new products by understanding process controls, quality standards, and testing methods
• Serve as a key point of contact for customer visits, audits, and internal reviews, ensuring the site is always prepared and compliant
• Promote a safe, organized, and compliant work environment by ensuring procedures are current, understood, and followed

What you’ll bring

• Experience leading manufacturing or production operations within a regulated quality focused environment
• A strong background in people leadership, including coaching, performance management, and employee development
• Knowledge of production planning, inventory management, and cost control practices
• The ability to analyze operational data and turn insights into practical improvements
• A collaborative leadership style that builds trust across production, quality, maintenance, and administrative teams
• Clear communication skills and the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced environment

What you’ll get

• The opportunity to lead a critical manufacturing operation with visible impact on product quality and customer satisfaction
• A collaborative onsite work environment where your leadership presence makes a difference each day
• The ability to shape processes, develop talent, and influence how the plant operates and grows
• Support for professional development through hands on leadership experience and continuous improvement initiatives
• A role that values safety, accountability, and long-term operational success

About Sensient: 

Sensient Technologies Corporation is a leading global manufacturer and marketer of colors, flavors, and extracts. Sensient employs advanced technologies at facilities around the world to develop specialty food and beverage systems, cosmetic and pharmaceutical systems, specialty colors, and other specialty and fine chemicals. The Company's customers include major international manufacturers representing most of the world's best-known brands.

About Sensient Agricultural Ingredients: 

Sensient Agricultural Ingredients is one of the largest producers and distributors in the world of dehydrated onion and garlic products as well as chili powder, paprika, chili pepper and dehydrated vegetables such as parsley, celery, and spinach. These ingredients are used in many of today's popular convenience foods. The Agricultural Ingredients unit is located in Turlock, California.

The salary range for this position is $112,000 - $145,000 USD. Pay within the range is based on several factors, which may include, but are not limited to, education, work experience, specialized training, and labor market conditions. In addition to salary, Sensient is proud to offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits program to support the holistic well-being of our employees and their families. This position is also eligible for performance-based incentive pay.

SPONSORSHP: Due to our inability to offer visa sponsorship, we can only consider candidates who are authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment visa sponsorship. 

RELOCATION: We are unable to offer relocation assistance. The successful candidate will be expected to work at Turlock, CA and must reside in area or be willing to commute. 

THIRD PARTY AGENCY: Any unsolicited submissions received from recruitment agencies will be considered property of Sensient Technologies, and we will not be liable for any fees or obligations related to those submissions. 

Sensient is an Equal Opportunity Employer, headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. 

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