Packaging Department Manager

The ASR Group® family of companies make up the world’s largest refiner and marketer of cane sugar. The companies produce a full line of grocery, industrial, foodservice and specialty sweetener products. Across North America, ASR Group® companies operate five sugar refineries, located in California, Maryland, Louisiana, Canada and Mexico. In Europe, ASR Group® companies operate sugar refineries in the United Kingdom, Portugal, and, with a joint venture partner, Italy. The companies also farm sugarcane and own sugar mills in Mexico and Belize. The ASR Group® portfolio includes the leading brands Domino®, C&H®, Florida Crystals®, Redpath®, Tate & Lyle®, Lyle's®, Sidul® and Whitworths®.  ASR Group® companies also produce and market Tellus®, a single-use, compostable tableware and foodservice product made from plant fibers, including sugarcane.

OVERVIEW

The primary responsibility of the Packaging Manager is to effectively plan, coordinate, and manage all aspects of the packaging operation in a safe, environmentally responsible, quality-focused, and financially responsible manner.  

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages and leads a team of diverse leaders to deliver quality and quantity of production to meet demand.
• Review daily packaging operation with the Packaging Leadership Team with respect to overall efficiency, product requirement, and production schedule.  Review current inventory levels and anticipate customer demand with Logistics to assure adequate order fulfillment.
• Analyze production data from Redzone and PowerBI and implement strategies to improve performance
• Track and report KPIs, including OEE, Waste, Labor Utilization, Downtime, and Safety metrics
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction through process optimization
• Manage departmental budgets and control COGS
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement and communicate clear performance expectations

WORK EXPERIENCES

• Six (6) or more years of experience leading a high-speed packaging operation is required.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Experience working in a CPG or Food Manufacturing environment is required.
• Experience leading a large work group is necessary.  
• Prior continuous improvement experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach, and train employees.
• Proficient with Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of sound HSSE practices and experience with quality systems (ISO, SQF, etc.). 
• Ability to work overtime, weekends and holidays, if appropriate.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree (BA or BS) from a 4-year college or university in Engineering, or similar field required.
• Continuous Improvement or quality certification(s) strongly preferred.

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Team Work - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.

Manager (of people and/or function):

• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Inspires respect and trust; Accepts feedback from others; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Displays passion and optimism; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
• Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes him/herself available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.

LOCATION OF ROLE

• New Orleans, LA (Chalmette)

We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, veteran status or any other category protected under federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.