Manufacturing Operations Manager - 1st Shift

Manufacturing Operations Manager - 1st ShiftSouth Windsor, CTPay Range: $135,000/yr. – $165,000/yr. based on experience and qualificationsThe Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimizing all manufacturing operations at the South Windsor facility. This role owns plant performance across safety, food safety & quality, yield, labor efficiency, and cost control, ensuring the operation delivers against business targets for throughput, cost per pound, and profitability.This position operates as a key business leader within the facility, driving continuous improvement, developing frontline leadership capability, and ensuring disciplined execution of operational standards. The Operations Manager partners cross-functionally with FSQA, Supply Planning, Maintenance, and Engineering to deliver a safe, compliant, and high-performing operation.Essential Duties And ResponsibilitiesSafety & Risk ManagementOwn plant safety performance and drive a culture of zero incidents; Ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards; Lead hazard identification, root cause analysis, and corrective actionsEstablish and monitor KPIs for: (TRIR, Near-miss reporting, Injury cost reduction)Food Safety & QualityMaintain full ownership of HACCP execution within operations; Ensure adherence to all USDA, FSIS, SQF, and regulatory requirementsEnforce CCP compliance, verification, and documentation disciplinePartner with FSQA to proactively reduce: Foreign material incidents, Product holds and rework, Drive a "stop production" culture when food safety risk is identifiedYield, Throughput & OEE PerformanceOwn and deliver against plant targets for: Yield %, OEE, Throughput (lbs./hr.)Identify and eliminate sources of: Giveaway, Inedible loss, Process variabilityDrive line optimization through: Equipment performance improvements, Standard work and process control, Downtime reduction initiatives, Partner with Engineering and Maintenance to improve system reliabilityLabor Management & Cost ControlOwn labor performance and cost per pound across all shifts; Drive disciplined labor planning aligned to production demand; Eliminate unnecessary overtime and improve staffing modelsImplement systems to track and reduce: Direct labor variance, Indirect labor inefficienciesLead cost savings initiatives tied to: Labor reduction, Yield improvement, Waste eliminationContinuous Improvement (CI) & Operational ExcellenceLead structured continuous improvement initiatives using CI tools (RCA, Gemba, standard work)Build and maintain a pipeline of cost savings and performance improvement projectsEstablish a data-driven culture with daily performance management (Tiered meetings)Leadership Development & Team EffectivenessDevelop Superintendents and Supervisors into high-performing leadersEstablish clear expectations for accountability, communication, and execution; Drive engagement, retention, and leadership capability across all shiftsEnsure proper training, onboarding, and skill development systems are in placeCross-Functional ExecutionPartner with: Supply Planning to align production schedules with demand, FSQA to ensure compliance and audit readiness, Maintenance to maximize uptime and equipment reliability, Engineering to support capital projects and process improvements.Education And/Or ExperienceHigh School diploma with equivalent experience required; Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations, Food Science, or related field preferred7+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, protein processing, & high speed packaging systemsDemonstrated experience managing: Yield and throughput performance, Labor and cost control systems, Continuous improvement initiativesStrong knowledge of: HACCP, USDA/FSIS regulations, SQF standards, Manufacturing KPIs (OEE, yield, cost per unit)Proven ability to lead and develop large, diverse teams in a fast-paced environmentStrong verbal and written English skills required; Bilingual in Spanish and/or Portuguese a plusExperience with effectively presenting information and responding to questions from clients, customers and the general public requiredStrong knowledge of Microsoft Office required.Physical Requirements And EnvironmentThe physical demands and work environment described below are representative of those required to perform this job's essential functions.Regular presence in production areas, including cold, wet, humid, and noisy environments.Ability to walk production floors, climb ladders and stairs, and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.Frequently required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hearOff-shift and weekend work may be required to support breakdowns, shutdowns, or project execution.Strict adherence to safety, PPE, and hygiene standards are required.