OPERATIONS MANAGER

SUMMARY: The Operations Manager provides direct leadership to production and sanitation teams and works cross-functionally to align operations with broader site and supply chain objectives. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong manufacturing expertise, proven ability to improve plant performance and a track record of developing teams in a fast paced environment.


KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Leadership & Performance Management KPIs

• Lead daily manufacturing operations across cheese and cream production, ensuring attainment of production targets and service levels
• Serve as acting site leader in the absence of the Site Director, ensuring continuity of operations and decision-making
• Drive execution discipline across production planning, scheduling, and line performance
• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manufacturing best practices
• Own and drive key operational metrics including; Quality and food safety compliance; Yield and waste reduction; Labor productivity; Conversion cost performance; Safety metrics (OSHA, incident rates)
• Monitor performance daily and implement corrective actions to address gaps.
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving to improve plant performance and reduce variability.
• Champion a "Safety First" culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards
• Ensure all food safety and quality programs (GMPs, HACCP, SQF) are followed and embedded in daily operations

People Leadership & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and develop a team to include Production Managers, Clean in Place (CIP) Sanitation Manager
• Build a high-performing, accountable culture focused on safety, quality, and results.
• Drive talent development, training, and succession planning within operations.
• Ensure appropriate staffing, performance management, and employee engagement.
• Partner closely with all departments within Cacique Foods
• Ensure alignment on production plans, material availability, and finished goods flow
• Collaborate to resolve operational issues and improve end-to-end performance

Continuous Improvement & Cost Optimization

• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste
• Identify and execute initiatives to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and optimize labor utilization
• Support delivery of plant financial targets, including conversion cost and cost of goods sold (COGS) performance

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in operations, Engineering, Food Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum eight (8-12) twelve years of manufacturing experience, preferably in dairy or food production
• Minimum five 5+ years of leadership experience in plant operations or production management
• Strong knowledge of dairy manufacturing processes (cheese and/or cream preferred)
• Demonstrated success driving operational KPIs (quality, yield, cost, safety)
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong financial and operational acumen, including cost management and productivity improvement
• Proven ability to lead in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment
• Operational execution & accountability; leadership & team development; problem solving & root cause analysis
• Agile, dynamic and forward thinking

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIORNMENT:

Required to maneuver plant and warehouse workspaces which involve:

• Frequently standing, walking, sitting, talking, or hearing, work around loud machinery and moving parts
• Continually utilize hand and finger dexterity, continually exposed to extreme heat, extreme cold, wet and/or humid conditions (non-weather)
• Occasionally required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, exposed to outside weather conditions, and push, pull, and lift up to 50 pounds safely

The above is intended to describe the general content and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.