Operations Manager

Plant Manager

Directs, coordinates, and manages all plant and warehouse operations with overall responsibilities for throughput, quality, staffing, training, security, inventory, and warehouse activities of the plant to achieve daily, weekly, and monthly plant goals. Ensures adherence to company policies, enforces proper safety standards, and good housekeeping practices. Ensures plant goals are met while staying within budget. Positions the plant for growth (organic and/or acquisitions) by focusing on efficiency improvements, improved quality levels, and customer responsiveness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure that all employees are trained, engaged, and managed effectively throughout the operation.
• Plan and establish work schedules and assignments.
• Facilitate the direction of all sharpening, warehouse, and inventory operations. Analyze and resolve all issues/problems promptly.
• Manage and oversee the "Alternate Sharpening" area, ensuring full utilization and completion of all assigned tasks.
• Perform basic equipment maintenance and calibration. Appraise the plant's equipment needs and recommend cost-saving initiatives.
• Maintain all KIMS hardware. Resolve all KIMS software issues.
• Monitor all workflows to ensure efficient and effective operation/utilization of the facility.
• Maintain appropriate inventory levels to support the operation. Ensure accurate and timely inventory counts.
• Track absenteeism and timekeeping. Communicate with HR/Payroll accordingly.
• Identify potential problems and points of friction, and work to find solutions to maximize efficiency and revenue
• Assist in planning short- and long-range labor needs based on sharpening requirements and input from senior management.
• Leads the plant in Continuous Improvement operations, focusing on improvement initiatives, and develops programs to improve the operation to increase quality, safety, and/or reduce costs.
• Maintains a safe and clean work environment
• Ensures employees are following company policies and procedures. Follow the progressive discipline policy to ensure compliance.
• Provide safety instructions to personnel as needed. Report all work-related injuries immediately. Provide immediate medical attention to injured employees as necessary. Complete accident investigation and forward accident reports to Human Resources
• Direct shift supervisor's activities such as work and shift assignments; cover shifts as needed; lead pre-shift meetings
• All other duties as assigned.

Competencies:

• A broad range of leadership skills is required with particular emphasis on supervision, motivation, communication, organization, and planning.
• Self-motivated and able to work independently. Strong computer literacy (MS Office)
• Must be able to manage multiple tasks and priorities and easily adapt to changing situations; meets all deadlines.
• Must be a strong team player with a firm, personal commitment toward Cozzini and its customers.
• Mechanical aptitude is a plus.
• Must be able to work 45-55 hours Monday through Friday, with occasional Saturdays. Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
• A working knowledge of lean/improvement processes/systems (e.g. Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six-Sigma) is a plus.
• Must have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of experience in operations, production, or plant management.
• Experience managing a remote facility with minimal oversight from corporate HQ.
• Strong leadership skills with proven success in staff development, coaching, and team building .
• Proficient in LEAN/5S practices , KPI tracking, and performance management systems.
• Mechanical and analytical skills for equipment troubleshooting and preventative maintenance.
• Familiarity with knife exchange logistics , shipping systems (FedEx, UPS), and DOT compliance.
• Strong knowledge of inventory control , warehouse flow, and production scheduling.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, WMS/ERP systems, and production reporting tools.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.