Plant Operational Excellence Manager

Job Title: Plant Operational Excellence Manager

​Location: Birmingham

Employment Type: Salaried

Work Arrangement: Onsite

Position Summary:

The Plant OpEx Manager will be responsible for accelerating operational excellence change efforts at the production plant by leading organizational/leadership development processes, promoting employee engagement and driving quality and productivity improvements. As part of the Plant Leadership Team the OpEx Manager will provide necessary coaching to the team and other individuals regarding organizational effectiveness, operational improvements, continuous improvement methodology, and execution of best practices. Provide influential leadership to support departments to gain results throughout the site.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Responsible for implementing strategy and guiding advancement of operational excellence at the plant.
• Collaborate with the Production Manager(s), Quality Managers and others at the location to understand site business priorities/goals and use this knowledge to prioritize Continuous Improvement activity at the production location.
• Be a role model for the mindsets and behaviors necessary to create an environment of trust, participation and accountability.
• Consult on Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen methodology leaders to identify best practices and to simplify and standardize work to deliver improved performance.
• Actively review site practices to identify opportunities and advise on appropriate organizational interventions, i.e., training, coaching, etc. for improving site systems and practices to achieve desired outcomes. Build a coaching culture and provide individual coaching to site and above site leadership throughout the change and transformation process.
• Guide locations in determining the priorities for process improvements that impact production and business results and champion waste elimination and reduction. Responsible for the oversight and direct supervision of assigned plant continuous improvement resources
• Monitor improvement progress and sustain transformational gains over time through continued metric review and consultation with key stakeholders.
• Lead improvement projects utilizing standardized Lean Six Sigma tools and methods to improve plant performance and achieve results for operations customers.
• Responsible for following all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria including the current SQF code, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), HACCP, and the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and associated preventive controls.

Other duties as assigned; travel may be required.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management or equivalent experience.
• 5-10 years of experience in Engineering, Business, Operations Management.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Professional certifications and experience especially helpful in the field of TPM, Autonomous Maintenance, Training Development, Organizational Development, Coaching, Lean and Change Management
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and implement organizational and cultural change and deliver results. Results oriented with the ability to gather, analyze, and interpret information from a variety of sources.
• Be a recognized role model in key leadership development skills of feedback, coaching, listening, empowerment and difficult conversations. Demonstrated conflict resolution and solution focused problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills which include building rapport and maintaining strong relationships across all levels, sensitivity to individual and team needs, collaborating effectively to accomplish work, effective facilitation and teaching skills.
• Project management capability with effective time management skills and ability to manage multiple conflicting priorities.
• Knowledge and strong working competence in Microsoft Office (Excel & PowerPoint)

Why Join Us:

Ventura Foods offers career growth opportunities as well as competitive compensation and benefits:​

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision – coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees​
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met)​
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays​
• Employee Appreciation Events​ and Employee Assistance Programs

Physical Demands:

All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required task(s) and typically also require at a minimum: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment:

Please see the job description for specific requirements of the position for which you are applying.

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. In addition, certain jobs may require employees to:

• Work outside and/or in adverse temperatures which could include extreme heat, cold, and humidity.
• Be exposed to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens (may include soy, dairy and other allergens); and
• Be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Diversity & Inclusion:

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect is evident in our company culture and values. We believe that fostering an environment of inclusion and a focus on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.