Operations Manager

Job Description:

Position Summary

Under the direction of the Site Director and in partnership with Department Managers, this role oversees operations of the pet food manufacturing lines. The Operations Manager is responsible for meeting customer and quality requirements, leading teams in product and process control, practicing SOPs, and coordinating all production support and systems activities.
Essential Responsibilities

• Develop a work environment focused on continuous improvement; lead problem-solving activities, new projects, and process implementation
• Manage the production schedule to ensure customer order deadlines are met and key performance indicators are achieved
• Collaborate with Purchasing to ensure raw ingredients and packaging meet requirements and are available for production
• Partner with Quality and Food Safety teams to ensure SOPs are implemented and followed, manage critical control points, and maintain effective sanitation practices
• Partner with Engineering and Maintenance to ensure equipment is designed and operating to specifications
• Lead, coach, and develop team members to ensure skills are effectively utilized, growth opportunities are provided, and accountability is maintained
• Manage and resolve non-conformance issues
• Investigate root causes of faulty product and implement appropriate corrective actions
• Monitor scheduling and production, including materials, labor, and equipment, ensuring all lines operate efficiently and effectively

Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business, or equivalent required
• 10+ years of successful experience in production management within a food manufacturing environment required
• Knowledge of regulatory requirements is required
• Experience with high-performance teams, quality management, and coaching/developing teams strongly preferred
• Leadership style includes:
  • Leading by example and visible presence ("management by walking around")
  • Creating team engagement, commitment, and energy
  • Sharing information openly
  • Developing individuals and teams into self-directed work groups
• Strong systems thinking, business analysis, facilitation, and results orientation
• Ability to understand how all parts of the operation connect and respond cross-functionally to achieve production goals, quality standards, and company values

Work Environment

• Must successfully complete a pre-employment drug screen, background check, and skills test; must be eligible to work in the U.S.
• Work is performed in a manufacturing environment where Food Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), including appropriate safety equipment, are required
• Role may require prolonged sitting, stair and ladder climbing, and walking plant floors exceeding one mile per day
• Physical activity includes use of hands, bending, reaching, crouching, and handling computer equipment
• Requires use of all five senses (sight, hearing, touch, smell, taste); vision must include close vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus
• Ability to lift 20 pounds regularly
• Must be able to understand and follow work instructions in English

Food Quality Responsibilities

• Oversee operations to produce and package food in strict compliance with quality specifications
• Enforce QA/QC guidelines across all departments
• Report any food quality issues to the FS/QA Manager

Food Safety Responsibilities

• Ensure food safety through implementation and enforcement of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMPs)
• Enforce food safety standards across all departments
• Report any food safety concerns to the FS/QA Manager

Occupational Safety

• Follow all company safety protocols and procedures
• Report any identified safety risks to a safety committee member or management

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs
• Role may involve lifting, bending, crawling, kneeling, standing for extended periods, reaching, frequent walking, and climbing ladders

Alphia is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.