Manufacturing Operations Lead

Operations Manager / Operations Lead

Our client is a well-established food manufacturer with a long history in the Buffalo, NY area.

We are seeking a hands-on Operations Manager / Operations Lead to oversee daily plant operations within a USDA-inspected meat manufacturing facility. This is a build-and-run leadership role responsible for driving consistent, efficient, and compliant production. The position offers a clear path to expanded plant leadership as the business grows.

Key Responsibilities

Plant & Production Operations

• Lead daily production activities including grinding, mixing, stuffing, chilling, and packaging
• Ensure recipes, weights, specifications, and quality standards are consistently met
• Manage production scheduling, order fulfillment, and workflow efficiency
• Oversee raw material, packaging, and finished goods inventory

Team Leadership

• Direct and supervise hourly production staff
• Recruit, train, and develop team members
• Set expectations around performance, safety, and accountability
• Maintain a visible, hands-on presence on the production floor

Food Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with USDA, HACCP, SSOP, and food safety regulations
• Maintain required production, temperature, and sanitation documentation
• Support inspections and audits
• Lead corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives

Operational Performance

• Monitor yields, shrink, waste, and labor efficiency
• Identify bottlenecks and improve throughput and consistency
• Partner with ownership on equipment, layout, and process improvements

Minimum Qualifications

• 3-5+ years of experience in a USDA-inspected meat or protein processing facility
• Working knowledge of HACCP and sanitation programs
• Experience in a hands-on manufacturing environment
• Prior supervisory or production team leadership experience
• Experience tracking yields, shrink, and cost controls
• Mechanical aptitude with food processing equipment

Compensation: $65,000 – $75,000 Salary, based on experience.

Job Status: Direct Hire. Onsite in Buffalo, NY.

Code: IND123