Project Operations Manager

Want to learn how to make juice? Lassonde Pappas & Co. is a US Leader in beverage manufacturing dedicated to our team members, customers and consumers satisfaction. We remain committed to our small-town roots and rural values. Hardworking and caring are qualities that make our teams special. Since 1942, we’ve been producing delicious products for our customers across the country! We focus on building the best team by creating and advancing an inclusive environment amongst our diverse workforce. If you’re passionate about customer satisfaction, reliable, and committed to being and doing better, join us! We value each of our employee’s total wellbeing. To support employees in all stages of their wellness journey, we have a robust benefits program including: medical, dental, and vision coverage options, growth and development potential, along with 401‑K, Life & Disability Insurance, PTO, Tuition Reimbursement, Health Fairs, Gym Membership Discounts, and so much more! Pay Range for this position is: $155,000-$230,000 plus annual bonus, depending on experience. Position Summary The Project Operations Manager oversees the planning, set‑up, and launch of the new manufacturing facility, coordinating all aspects of equipment installation and process development to hire and train staff to ensure a safe and efficient production launch. Key responsibilities include establishing initial production goals and plans, managing resource allocation, overseeing quality control and safety compliance, and leading teams through the entire startup process to achieve production targets. This position is not remote. The position is 100% on‑site during the construction, start‑up, and, at a minimum, first year of operation of the new facility. The Project Operations Manager’s primary will be responsible for driving performance in the manufacturing process through continuous improvement to deliver and sustain profitable growth once the new plant is running production. This position will also be responsible for assisting the Plant Manager in the development of the plant’s strategy. This position is also responsible for the Food Safety and Food Quality programs. This manager will work closely with the Plant Manager to direct and manage the day‑to‑day operation of the facility. Primary Responsibilities Include Project Planning & Execution: Work with Engineering to develop comprehensive plans for factory setup, including equipment layout, material flow, and production schedules, and manage their execution to meet timelines. Resource Management: Procure necessary ancillary equipment, materials, and tools, and ensure their proper installation and operation. Team Leadership: Evaluate skill level of current staff to identify gaps. Then, oversee the hiring and training of staff to fill the gaps to successfully start‑up the factory. Process Development: Establish and document standard operating procedures, implement quality control systems (like ISO 9001), establish spare part list and management, and input and establish OEM preventive maintenance procedures. Supplier & Partner Relations: Negotiate with suppliers for cost‑effective solutions, ensure on‑time delivery of materials, and manage relationships with vendors. Safety & Compliance: Enforce strict safety policies and environmental regulations to create a safe working environment for all employees before, during, and after start‑up. Cross‑Functional Communication: Collaborate effectively with other departments, such as engineering, procurement, supply chain, logistics, and HR, to support the successful launch of the factory. Develops and leads the implementation of operational initiatives in support of Lean Six Sigma manufacturing (e.g., department utilization improvement, process capability enhancement, customer satisfaction, employee involvement). Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency. Sets and communicates standards, deploys resources, and achieves clear and measurable performance expectations for the operation. Communicates, implements, and assures compliance with governmental rules and regulations, as well as, company plans, programs, policies, and procedures involved with the conduct of a safe, clean, environmentally sound, and efficient operation. Performs other related duties as required and assigned. Education & Experience Minimum Required Qualifications Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing experience in technical, maintenance, or production departments. Additional Preferred Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical degree. Experience in the food/beverage industry. Leadership and Communication: Strong ability to motivate and direct teams, communicate effectively with all levels of staff, and resolve conflicts. Technical Knowledge: Understands manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality control systems; needs to have experience in Food and Beverage manufacturing. Change management – People – Has used a structured change management process that supports people in adopting the change, minimizing resistance, and ensuring desired outcomes. Management of Change (MOC) – Technical/Structural – Has used a structured MOC methodology to ensure the start‑up is implemented correctly, safely, and efficiently, with proper risk analysis and validation. Project Management – Has experience managing medium to large projects related to line or factory start‑ups. Problem‑Solving: Ability to identify and resolve operational issues, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies during the startup phase. Organizational & Planning Skills: Expertise in planning, scheduling, and managing complex projects and resources. Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must be detail‑oriented and have the ability to multi‑task. Proven organizational skills. Must have excellent time management skills. Ability to direct, coach, and train others. Consultative, influential, strategic thinking and problem‑solving skills. Familiar with TQM and or statistical process control concepts. Knowledge of safety policies and procedures regarding chemicals, equipment/machinery. Strong mechanical aptitude. Good math skills. Excellent negotiation skills, including an ability to understand sensitive situations. Must be able to respond to off‑hour emergencies. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team. Ability to work weekends, holidays, and night shifts, and respond to callouts on a non‑routine basis. Physical Requirements & Working Conditions This position requires sufficient physical ability to work in a production setting. Frequent: Ability to talk and hear; ability to stand, walk, climb stairs, stoop, bend, and/or crouch; push/pull; lift up to 50 pounds; use of hands and fingers to operate machinery/equipment and all manual and electronic equipment in the area of responsibility. Exposure to wet and humid conditions and fluctuations in ambient temperature (seasonal). Occasional: Squatting, kneeling, ability to reach above and at shoulder height. Ability to wear a dust mask, and perform Confined Entry using LOTO program. Exposure to toxic and corrosive chemicals. Vision: Ability to use close and distance vision, as well as color and peripheral vision with or without correction. Must be able to visually detect obstacles and potential dangers in a fast‑paced production environment involving high‑speed equipment and powered industrial lift equipment. Hearing: Ability to hear in the normal audio range with or without correction. Exposure to noise levels from pumps, machinery, forklift traffic, bottle lines, and exhaust fans. This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of the responsibilities that are required to successfully perform in this position. Other duties as assigned are part of every job description. The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to perform the essential job functions. Lassonde Pappas & Co., Inc provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. #J-18808-Ljbffr