Operations Manager

Job Title: Operations Manager

Department: MSM-Great Falls Specialty Oils Plant

Reports To: Plant Manager

Position Type: Salary

Supervises: Production Supervisors

Location: Great Falls, MT

Organization Background

We have over 20 years of oilseed processing experience and have established a reputation for product quality and excellent service with both customers and growers.

Montana Specialty Mills is a joint venture between Columbia Grain International, a leading worldwide grain and pulse supplier based in Portland, Oregon, and Nisshin OilliO America, a leading manufacturing company in the field of edible oils.

Our new, state-of-the-art crush plant and refinery represents a firm investment in Montana agriculture. Located along the Missouri River in Great Falls, this facility is focused on processing specialty oilseeds. Our Great Falls plant has the capability to load product into railcars, bulk trucks, totes and drums. This facility is designed to process identity-preserved crops, and we offer a wide variety of products and toll processing services.

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations within the oilseed processing facility, ensuring optimal efficiency, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This role will coordinate plant needs with Logistics, Maintenance, QA and Production. This position also oversees the streamlining of production processes, and maintains compliance with environmental and industry standards, while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

· Assist the Plant Manager with coordinating plant operations, including production, quality, safety, and maintenance, ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.

· Work closely with Plant Manager to monitor plant performance metrics and KPIs, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions

· Lead and manage all oilseed processing operations including seed preparation, crush, refining, and loadout.

· Ensure production targets are met in terms of volume, quality, cost, and schedule.

· Coordinate with maintenance to ensure reliability and minimize downtime.

· Manage staffing, including hiring, training, performance management, and scheduling.

· Develop and enforce safety protocols and promote a strong safety culture.

· Keep track of inventory and maintain adequate supply of product and supplies

to keep production on schedule.

· Coordinate with QA Manager with all SQF documents and checklists to ensure facility will pass audits.

· Participate in plant improvement projects.

· Monitor and report KPIs, analyzing trends to identify areas for process improvements.

· Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as company policies.

· Collaborate with procurement, quality, logistics, and engineering teams to support operational needs.

· Participate in capital project planning, equipment upgrades, and expansion initiatives.

· Implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement practices.

Skills, Knowledge, Education and Experience

· Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Agriculture, Food Science, or related field or 5 years of experience in oilseed processing or related agri/food industry, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.

· Strong knowledge of oilseed processing methods (crushing, refining, plant operations, logistics, food safety).

· Proven ability to manage teams and complex operations in a manufacturing environment.

· Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Experience with safety standards (OSHA, ISO, etc.) and quality systems (HACCP, GMP, etc.).

· Proficient in data analysis, production systems, and ERP tools.

· Excellent communication skills and the ability to interact with all levels within the company, and with vendors and customers.

· Ability to uphold and maintain discretion and care regarding confidential and sensitive personnel and company information.

· Ability to be flexible and adaptive to successfully achieve the function of the position.

Benefits Offered

• Comprehensive Health, Dental, Vision, and RX benefits
• Company paid Life Insurance and Disability
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Employee Assistance Program
• 401K Retirement savings plan
• Paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick leave

Successful completion of initial and ongoing employment screens, including but not limited to criminal background and vehicle record as required.

Montana Specialty Mills is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person