Business Unit Manager

Heartland Food Products Group is a global leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry, producing low-calorie sweeteners, coffee, coffee creamers and liquid water enhancers. We manufacture and market Splenda, the #1 brand in the low calorie sweetener category and the most recognized in the world.

We make coffee, tea and water taste better and help people live happier, healthier and longer lives by making it easy to reduce sugar.

We offer an excellent compensation and benefits package. Come grow with us!

This role is not a remote opportunity, it is on-site at our Manufacturing Plant in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Business Unit Manager is accountable for the department performance in the areas of production, safety, and quality to meet operating objectives; drive efficiency and profitability while maximizing return on assets. Directly accountable for driving results through the proper management of technologies as well as the development and training of all team members.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Fully accountable for the Manufacturing P&L of the area.

• Ensure all lines and processes are engineered for success while verifying the theory of operation is understood and applied. Verify that all equipment is maintained and compliant with the appropriate engineering standards to deliver safe, quality products at optimal cost according with plans.
• Support product innovation by providing operational point of view during the new product development

• Develop team to solve day-to-day operational issues and reach short & long-term performance goals. Ensure the team morale is high and committed to continuously delivering extraordinary results.
• Lead team of 80 to 100 hourly Manufacturing associates with varying levels of experience and education.
• Leverage automation to streamline processes, minimize human error and reduce overall production costs.
• Prioritize manufacturing the right way. Product Quality, Line Throughput and Asset Care will follow by default.
• Coach team members to use analytical methods to facilitate problem solving on the floor. Be a data driven leader
• Maintain our cultural identity of Friendly, Competent and Available.
• Determine staffing requirements, and interview, hire and train new employees, or oversee those personnel processes. Develop an strong bench of talent.
• Foster an environment of continuous improvement that meets or exceeds the company’s expectations.
• Establish clear performance and behavioral expectations for all employees, provide feedback on results.
• Systematically lead the identification and elimination of losses resulting in improvements in safety, quality, costs, inventory and time.
• Achieve all Productivity, Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety & Motivation KPI objectives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Must be able to physically perform the functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must possess visual acuity to document company records.
• Must be able to lift 40 pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 10 years in Operations Leadership and/or Engineering roles.
• Strong technical background on high speed processing systems, controls and automation.
• Experience in a food grade environment (FDA, GMP’s, HACCP) strongly preferred.
• Experience in managing/improving manufacturing costs and productivity programs
• BS Mechanical or Chemical Engineering preferred.
• MBA or related graduate degree a plus.
• Problem-solving aptitude, process improvement knowledge, and strategic thinking acumen.
• Experience managing people while building a collaborative cross-functional team.