Operations Manager

About SunOpta

SunOpta delivers customized supply chain solutions and innovation for top brands, retailers, and foodservice providers across a broad portfolio of beverages, broths, and better-for-you snacks. With over 50 years of expertise, SunOpta fuels customers' growth with high-quality, sustainability-forward solutions distributed through retail, club, foodservice, and e-commerce channels across North America.


Job Summary:

Directs all operations necessary to deliver the lowest sustainable cost and highest quality products in a safe, clean, and environmentally responsible operating environment. Ensures continuous and efficient performance in alignment with company policies, goals, and objectives while fostering a culture of trust, accountability, and collaboration.

Essential Functions of the Job:

• Directs the manufacture of products at lowest cost consistent with quality/quantity standards; develops and implements methods of achieving plant goals within established parameters of waste, OEE/Efficiency, and budgeted staffing levels.
• Lead daily communications with staff to plan for multi-line 24/7 operations and establish priorities; coordinates department activities with inter-related plant operations to ensure optimum production and utilization of labor, machines, and equipment.
• Partner with plant scheduling function to ensure that output standards are accurate, 2-week production schedule is optimized and targeted production meets customer requirements. Plans for and controls crew level stability, vacation scheduling and long-term crewing requirements to minimize staffing impact to production operation.
• Monitors all operations regularly and systematically through Redzone and other methods, to evaluate efficiency and cost outcomes. Communicate proactively with Plant Manager on all matters affecting production that require his/her attention, and recommends methods and procedures designed to eliminate operating problems, improve productivity, and effect cost savings.
• Consults with Maintenance Manager to coordinate efforts and develop action plans for the proper maintenance of machines, equipment, and facilities; utilizes knowledge and technical expertise to advise on persistent problems and major breakdowns; serves as primary liaison between Production, Engineering and Maintenance throughout planning, design, and installation phases of capital/improvement projects.
• Enforces quality and safety standards throughout the Production Department and ensures good housekeeping practices are maintained; reviews consumer complaints with staff and oversees adherence to proper recall procedures.
• Participates in the development of new products and product lines; coordinates plant and packaging trials with R&D resources, other applicable departments, customers, and vendors; initiates capital spending recommendations to support future growth and profitability of Plant Operations.
• Coordinates with all plant departments as required to provide advice and recommendations on production related matters; maintains effective communications and working relationships and resolves any conflicts arising between operating groups or staff units.
• Directs Production Department cost functions including budgets, daily variances, waste, and downtime; reviews standards with Production Manager and Shift Supervisors and submits revisions as appropriate; works with Cost Department to identify and correct problems reporting, manning and efficiencies; oversees preparation and maintenance of required reports, cost estimates and forecasts.
• Participates in the development of current and long-term programs, plans and strategies in support of Plant objectives; assist Plant Manager in formulating policies and goals covering operations, personnel, financial performance, and growth; assumes responsibilities of Plant Manager during absences.
• Authorizes recruitment, termination, and promotion of employees; determines standards of behavior and ensures disciplinary procedures are carried out consistently, according to company policies; coordinates any manning or operational changes with plant leadership team and participates directly in personnel/industrial relations activities.
• Provides leadership, direction, and support to production team to stimulate maximum efficiency and productivity of both supervisors and production workers
• Ensures that all Production Department activities are carried out in compliance with Local, State and Federal regulations governing business operations.
• Provide leadership and direction to subordinates; completes performance and personal development evaluations; reviews and recommends training and development requirements and programs; recommends salary adjustments; conducts information sessions with staff.
• Responsible for promoting food safety and employee safety throughout the organization.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Direct
  • Production Managers
• Indirect
  • Production Supervisors

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field or equivalent experience
• 5+ years in Aseptic, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical or other highly regulated manufacturing environment
• Supervisory or managerial experience required, including direct leadership of production or operations teams

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated critical thinking skills, with the ability to effectively plan, analyze, and resolve operational challenges in a fast-paced manufacturing environment
• Previous TPM and/or Lean Continuous Improvement experience preferred, including practical application of waste reduction, process optimization, and performance improvement methodologies
• Strong understanding of manufacturing financials, including labor management, cost control, and budget accountability
• Working knowledge of key performance indicators such as OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) and other productivity metrics

Additional Considerations:

• Travel Expectation: Minimal
• Location: This position will be at the SunOpta Plant in Midlothian, TX.
• Work Environment: Majority of work is performed in an office / plant environment.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
EOE M/W/VET/DISABLED