Job Description

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Operations Manager is responsible for the overall well-being of Plant operations, maintaining a broad organizational perspective, and serves as a contributing member of the Executive Leadership Team.

• Manage and oversee all aspects of daily plant operations, ensuring production goals, quality standards, and delivery timelines are consistently met
• Participate in long-term strategic planning to develop initiatives that support the company's overall goals
• Identify potential problems and points of friction, and develop solutions to maximize operational efficiency
• Maintain production levels to meet customer demand
• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures, including guidelines for completing tasks within the plant
• Ensure all employees are properly trained and competent in their positions
• Lead plant safety initiatives; investigate all work-related injuries and provide remedies and recommendations as needed
• Oversee all Plant Supervisors, providing training, mentorship, and performance management as needed
• Lead the employee evaluation process and participate in employee engagement activities as appropriate
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures, as well as USDA, FSIS, and HACCP regulations
• Manage labor, materials, and equipment resources to control costs while meeting production targets
• Collaborate with Sales, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to align plant operations with broader business objectives
• Prepare and present operational reports and performance metrics to executive leadership
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities:

• Mechanical Aptitude —  Knowledge and previous experience working with processing equipment and machinery, including conveyors and other motorized equipment (forklifts, pallet-jacks)
• Computer and Technical  — Skilled in computer usage (including Microsoft suite as well as and comfort in learning Company software
• Judgement and Decision Making — Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the appropriate response 
• Team Work — Effectively collaborate with coworkers in a team-oriented environment 
• Interpersonal Relationships — Establish and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others
• Time Management — Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize tasks/multi-task, managing one's own time and the time of others
• Independence — Ability to work independently  and to carry out assignments to completion as assigned by a supervisor 
• Safety — Ability to work in a safe manner (including the safe use of chemical solutions, eggs and egg products) as well as effectively participate in the safety process of the Company 
• Written Comprehension & Expression — The ability to read and communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand
• Oral Comprehension, Expression & Clarity — The ability to listen, understand and communicate information and ideas audibly so others will understand
• Attention to Detail —Thorough and accurate when performing tasks and following Company processes and procedures

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field
• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop supervisory and hourly staff
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or Six Sigma principles preferred

Physical Requirements: 

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.
• Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout the plant floor for extended periods
• Ability to work in varying temperature environments typical of a manufacturing facility
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)