Plant Operations Manager

General Purpose

Provide leadership and management of operating departments within the plant in areas such as operations, maintenance, processing, and warehousing functions. Provide direction to managers, supervisors, and employees within the guidelines of standard work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Work closely with plant management and serve as a liaison with corporate functional departments including quality assurance, human resources, accounting, engineering, purchasing, research and development, and risk management. Ensure proper development and training of staff to advance the team and to meet the goals of the company. This would include KPI attainment, efficiency, proper staffing, budgeting, and people development. Provide guidance or direct personnel activities of departments, such as recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments using independent judgment within the framework of established human resources policies and practices.

This is a single incumbent job found in large and/or complex plants where a senior manager leading plant operations is needed for the facility.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead operational activities to ensure orders are received, scheduled, produced, and shipped safely, at the lowest cost, and at standards to meet customers' requirements and service level agreements, while maintaining established safety and quality standards
• Monitor continuous plant operations in all areas and report deficiencies to plant leadership; identify and resolve operational issues; evaluate current procedures, practices, and precedents for accomplishing plant activities and functions; develop and implement alternative methods of work improvement
• Ensure that Standard Operating Procedures are developed and maintained for all operational activities
• Develop, implement and update plant operations for all processes; assist in development and implementation of plant safety programs, KPI goal attention, etc.; utilize strategic planning in determining future needs of the operation
• Review production costs and take necessary actions to control those costs
• Ensure that all federal regulations and company policies are understood and followed by supervision and communicated to and understood by all production department employees; advise them of correct interpretation when necessary
• Conduct meetings with department management to communicate essential policies, plans, or problems affecting operations and employee relations and general company information
• Maintain preparation for and participate in all plant inspections by USPH, USDA, and other authorized agencies, utilizing appropriate staff
• Monitor inventory levels for supplies and equipment and initiate purchases as necessary
• Prepare reports and records for management review
• Evaluate the cohesiveness and team spirit of supervision and employees and their awareness of quality performance
• Manage assigned employees, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management. Understand and effectively apply work rules, union contract provisions (if applicable), and employment policies. Administer discipline consistently and fairly. Work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve employee grievances.
• Maintain a visible presence on the floor; actively communicate with employees through shift meetings and informal methods. Maintain and promote positive employee relations in work environment
• Maintain safe working conditions for employees and compliance with all company, state and federal regulations regarding health and safety issues
• Follow all DFA good manufacturing practices (GMP) and work in a manner consistent with all company regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements
• The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Undergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred
• 8 or more years' experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably food and/or beverage manufacturing, with management level experience
• Proven track record of improved results in the areas of quality, safety, service and cost
• 2 or more years' management experience preferred
• Certification and/or License - may be required during course of employment

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing process flow and importance to process; strong understanding of facility utility infrastructure and its impact to production throughput
• Strong knowledge of continuous improvement models
• Skill in leadership and coaching; knowledge of principles and practices of supervision, training, and personnel management
• Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems
• Skill in critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculations, and statistical evaluations
• Able to employ, lead and direct continuous improvement concepts to move site's culture forward
• Able to work in collaboration effectively and foster good teamwork
• Able to interact positively and work effectively with others (interpersonal skills)
• Able to think and use independent judgment in planning and organizing multiple tasks and information
• Able to demonstrate strong initiative and follow through on day-to-day responsibilities
• Able to take appropriate steps to find solutions to problems
• Able to present options and ideas to current processes or procedures
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Able to communicate with various levels of personnel to ensure customers' needs and requirements are met
• Able to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests
• Able to interpret and apply company policies
• Able to adapt and manage to change effectively
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans