Manager of Juice Operations

Description

OVERVIEW: The Senior Juice Operations Manager plays a strategic leadership role, overseeing and optimizing all aspects of juice production and operations. This position is responsible for driving long-term process improvements, mentoring team leaders, and ensuring alignment with organizational goals. The role balances operational management with strategic planning, customer engagement, and employee development to deliver exceptional results.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES/FUNCTIONS:

• Lead cross-functional initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and drive lean manufacturing practices across multiple shifts and departments.
• Develop and implement long-term strategies to optimize production workflows and meet organizational goals.
• Analyze production data to identify trends, root causes of inefficiencies, and opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with senior leadership on budgeting, resource planning, and staffing.
• Act as a senior liaison with key customers to review, implement, and monitor recipes while ensuring consistency and quality of finished products.
• Partner with sales, quality assurance, and logistics teams to meet strategic production and delivery objectives.
• Proactively address escalated customer concerns, resolving issues at a strategic level.
• Mentor and coach managers, supervisors, and crew leads to build a strong leadership pipeline.
• Design and implement advanced training programs for operational competencies, safety protocols, and leadership development.
• Facilitate performance reviews, career development plans, and succession planning for team members.
• Promote a culture of accountability and excellence through goal setting and KPI alignment.
• Oversee the coordination of production schedules, ensuring alignment with organizational targets and customer needs.
• Monitor machine operations across multiple shifts, providing guidance and ensuring minimal downtime.
• Lead initiatives to improve production metrics, including line efficiencies, waste reduction, and on-time delivery.
• Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, and safety standards while maintaining operational excellence.
• Manage raw material and packaging inventory, ensuring freshness, proper rotation, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with logistics and transportation teams to streamline shipping and resolve systemic issues.
• Oversee data entry and operational reporting within Produce Pro or equivalent systems, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
• Generate and present reports on production performance, cost analysis, and efficiency improvements to senior leadership.

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Requirements

 COMPETENCIES:

• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage through influence.
• Expertise in lean manufacturing and process optimization techniques.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills to drive systemic improvements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to engage with senior stakeholders and customers.
• Proficient in the use of data analytics tools and ERP systems.
• Adaptability to work in a fast-paced environment, including weekends, extended hours, and occasional travel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Exposure to cold, wet production environments with regular presence on the plant floor. Occasional travel may be expected of this position. 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here 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 with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The position must be able to lift 40lbs and use proper lifting techniques. Frequent standing, walking, and hands-on engagement with production activities.
QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Food Science, or related field, or equivalent supervisory experience (7 years).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership role within food manufacturing or beverage production.
• Demonstrated expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish strongly preferred.

Salary : $90,000 - $120,000