Operations Manager

Operations Manager

For over 30 years, this organization has specialized in contract food manufacturing of acidified, shelf-stable retail and foodservice products. Based in Fresno, California, the company produces high-quality specialty foods packaged in glass, plastic, pouches, pails, and drums. Its product portfolio includes sauces, condiments, garlic products, sun-dried tomatoes, and a variety of ethnic food items serving an expanding global market. The organization is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and operational excellence.

Position Summary: The Operations Manager is a key member of the leadership team, reporting directly to the VP/CFO, and plays a critical role in driving operational performance and efficiency across the organization. This individual will oversee all core functions, including Supply Chain, Engineering, R&D, Quality Control, and Production. This role requires hands-on experience in food manufacturing environments involving fresh or shelf-stable salsas, sauces, or similar products. Ideal candidates will have experience with batching and formulation processes (e.g., soups, chunky salsas, pasta sauces, chili sauces, cocktail sauces), with hot-fill-hold experience considered a strong plus. The Operations Manager will be responsible for executing daily operations, achieving short- and long-term goals, leading cross-functional teams, and implementing process improvements that enhance quality, efficiency, and compliance. This role also plays a key part in strategic planning, project execution, and fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee daily operations across Supply Chain, Production, Engineering, R&D, and Quality Control.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and food safety standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams while promoting a high-performance culture.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimization and cost reduction.
• Manage procurement of materials and resources to support production demands.
• Implement and maintain best practices across all operational functions.
• Monitor KPIs and provide high-level reporting to executive leadership.
• Lead change management initiatives and support long-term strategic planning.
• Enhance customer satisfaction by improving service levels and operational execution.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or related field (Master's preferred).
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing or consumer goods.
• Strong background in sauces, salsas, or similar formulated/batched products.
• Proven experience managing complex manufacturing operations and driving process improvements.
• Hands-on experience with wastewater systems and reporting.
• Proficiency with ERP systems (NetSuite, Redzone preferred).
• Strong understanding of operational systems, cost control, and organizational effectiveness.
• Experience with statistical analysis, data processing, and performance metrics.
• Solid financial acumen, including budgeting, cash flow management, and P&L oversight.
• Demonstrated leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Up-to-date knowledge of FDA, USDA, SQF, CFIA, CODEX, and local regulatory requirements.
• Experience in conflict resolution, negotiation, and business operations management.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods, including climbing stairs.
• Exposure to production environments with elevated noise levels (~85 decibels); hearing protection required.
• Exposure to varying temperatures, including cold production areas.
• Must wear company-provided PPE while on the production floor.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds as needed.
• Combination of plant floor presence and desk/computer-based work.
• Must adhere to all safety practices in a continuous improvement environment.

Salary - 125-140k/yr

Great Hire is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race or ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, veteran disability or genetic information or any other reason prohibited by law in employment.