Operations Manager

Overview

Responsible for delivering performance targets in Safety, Quality, Cost, and Reliability for all production lines. Lead and develop the Line Supervisors/Team Managers to achieve and sustain operational excellence through effective coaching, continuous improvement initiatives, and adherence to company standards. Build organizational capability to drive and maintain improvements in performance and efficiency.

Successful candidates must project the capability to be promoted to General Manager in 3-5 years.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with site leadership, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to identify and resolve production challenges.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement new processes, equipment, and product launches.
• Act as the primary point of contact for production-related issues, ensuring alignment with broader plant objectives.
• Engage in strategic planning with site leaders to ensure long-term operational success

Leadership & Vision

• Lead and motivate Line Leadership to meet and exceed performance standards in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
• Communicate clear expectations regarding operational standards, ensuring alignment with company policies and goals.
• Develop and execute daily, weekly, and monthly production plans, ensuring alignment with broader site and corporate goals.
• Conduct regular team meetings to align on priorities, address challenges, and recognize achievements.
• Provide coaching and feedback to team members to drive accountability and high performance
• Lead and support change management initiatives, fostering team alignment, engagement and successful adoption of new systems, process and ways of working.

Operations Excellence

• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring smooth line operation and quick resolution of any production issues.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and lead initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and company safety policies.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost, and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Drive adherence to operational standards and continuous improvement frameworks (e.g., Autonomous Maintenance, Focused Improvement).

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the budget for the production department, ensuring cost control and optimal resource utilization.
• Track financial performance weekly and monthly; analyze variances and adjust plans as needed to meet financial targets.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities through improved operational efficiency and waste reduction.

Talent & Organizational Development

• Build a high-performing team by recruiting, training, and developing line operators and technicians.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching and development opportunities to team members to enhance skills and promote career growth.
• Lead cross-functional training to ensure team versatility and flexibility in managing production demands.
• Ensure team proficiency in key tools and systems, including:
• Small Work Team (Natural Work Team) improvement framework
• Autonomous Maintenance
• Focused Improvement
• Root Cause and Corrective Action Systems
• STPD (Standardized Problem Solving) tool

Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships:

• Collaborate with site leadership, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to identify and resolve production challenges.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement new processes, equipment, and product launches.
• Act as the primary point of contact for production-related issues, ensuring alignment with broader plant objectives.
• Engage in strategic planning with site leaders to ensure long-term operational success
• All other duties as assigned

This position is characterized as active work in a food manufacturing environment. Job responsibilities may require long periods of sitting, walking, standing, telephone and computer use and frequent interaction with employees, customers and other stakeholders.

The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. Occasional reaching with hands and arms may be necessary. The employee may occasionally be required to lift and/or move items weighing up to 50 pounds. The employee must be able to work for extended periods in a range of environmental conditions, including hot environments (up to 100°F) and cold (0 °F). Some travel will be necessary.

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis protected by stated, federal, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

This position will manage others.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a STEM field (Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, etc.) required.
• Internal candidates: must be actively enrolled in a STEM degree program.
• Minimum of 7 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferably in the food industry.
• Internal candidates: minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated strength in leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Experience with continuous improvement tools and methodologies such as TPM, Lean, or Six Sigma.
• Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and relevant food safety regulations is preferred.
• Must be willing and able to relocate for promotional opportunities.