Operations Manager

Job Title: Operations Manager
Reports To: VP of Operations
Location: Total Packaging - Fulton Drive, Owensboro
FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Summary:

The Operations Manager at Total Packaging in Owensboro, KY plays a critical leadership role within our ready-to-eat food manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for overseeing all daily plant operations including production and warehouse activities, ensuring efficiency, safety, quality, and compliance with food manufacturing standards. The Operations Manager directly supervises the Production Manager and serves as a key member of the site leadership team, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, manage, and coordinate all aspects of production and warehouse operations to meet safety, quality, and delivery goals.
• Supervise and develop department managers, ensuring accountability and adherence to KPIs.
• Monitor daily operations and make real-time decisions to optimize throughput, minimize downtime, and manage labor efficiently.
• Collaborate with QA, Maintenance, Safety, and HR to ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and other regulatory requirements.
• Drive continuous improvement through lean manufacturing principles, waste reduction, and root cause analysis.
• Partner with Planning and Procurement to ensure proper inventory levels, raw material flow, and production scheduling.
• Implement and monitor performance metrics to identify trends, gaps, and opportunities.
• Support the Plant Manager with strategic initiatives, audits, and capital improvement projects.
• Ensure a culture of safety and accountability across all functional areas.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Business, Food Science, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in a food manufacturing environment, preferably in ready-to-eat or perishable products.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations, GMPs, HACCP, and warehouse best practices.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver measurable results.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; bilingual (English/Spanish) is a plus.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle, or similar) preferred.

Work Environment:

• This role operates primarily in a manufacturing facility, with exposure to wet/cold environments, machinery, and production noise.
• Must be able to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.