Operations Manager (Graveyards)

@ Nature's Bakery

Summary

As Operations Manager, you will lead the Hazelwood operations for Nature’s Bakery on third shift. This role is critical for executing company plans and modeling the company’s founding values. Reporting to the Plant Director, you will partner with Quality, Maintenance, Warehouse, HR, Finance, and IT teams while serving as the first point of contact for all shift-related matters.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Conversion: Manage operations teams across multiple lines to efficiently convert materials into quality products safely and within budget. Oversee activity management, machine rates, maintenance, engineering projects, and continuous improvement efforts. Collaborate with HR to ensure appropriate staffing levels.

Nature’s Bakery Operating System: Advocate, support, and actively participate in the Daily Management System. Coach team members, maintain SOPs, lead CI Teams, and coordinate PM downtime.

Change Agent: Recommend and implement improvements in methods, equipment, systems, and organization to meet area objectives, collaborating with various departments.

Associate Advocacy: Manage associate relations, guide hiring, training, development, and motivation to drive engagement and accountability.

Food Safety and Product Quality: Ensure production of safe, defect-free products adhering to HACCP and other quality standards, including ongoing training and quality goal improvements.

Goal Setting and Measurement: Establish performance standards and goals aligned with site strategies; measure, control, and report results, assist in budget and KPI development.

Troubleshooting: Guide technical teams in troubleshooting and repairing process/packaging equipment to achieve optimal performance.

Communications: Maintain open communication lines to broaden team responsibilities and deliver regular business performance updates.

Technology Advancement: Advise on technological improvements to minimize production costs and enhance quality.

Area and Value Stream Strategy: Collaborate with leadership on short- and long-term improvement strategies for effective value stream performance.

Associate and Personal Development: Evaluate team performance, create development plans, and pursue continuous managerial and technical education.

Site Management: Act on behalf of the Plant Director when necessary, ensuring the protection of human and physical assets and managing crises.

Qualifications

• Technical experience in high-speed manufacturing required.
• Food manufacturing experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and prioritization skills.
• BS/BA in engineering, scientific or applied field preferred.
• Minimum 3 years’ experience in a CPG environment.
• Proficiency in continuous improvement, ERP tools, and project management.
• Relevant certifications like FSMA/PCQI preferred.
• Experience with FDA/USDA audits and third-party audits is beneficial.

Other Information

This job description is not exhaustive and may change at any time. Nature’s Bakery is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and an inclusive workplace.

Key skills/competency

• Operations Management
• Third Shift
• Continuous Improvement
• Food Safety
• Quality Control
• Team Leadership
• Process Optimization
• Troubleshooting
• Budget Management
• Project Coordination