Operations Manager

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world’s leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.
Hearthside’s exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day
We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.
**Position Scope**:
Reporting directly into the Plant Manager, the Operations Manager will provide guidance and support to production leadership team and liaise with internal customers to ensure that production targets and customer expectations are meet. The Manager will lead, motivate and develop employees to achieve outstanding results according to set targets through enhancing teamwork, effective communications, actively listening, and driving change. The Manager will also drive accountability and ensure compliance with company policies, procedures, and standards.
**Core Responsibilities**:

- Inspires and coaches 13+ salaried leaders and approximately 100+ employees per shift, by fostering a culture of continued learning and development.
- Direct the conversion of raw materials in to finished product (mixing, baking, and packaging processes) with minimum waste and labor costs.
- Champions new ideas and encourages team members to try new approaches to solve key operational issues.
- Plans production operations, establishes priorities and sequences for manufacturing products
- Resolve employee complaints, conduct investigations and issue coaching or discipline in accordance with company policy and Collective Bargaining Agreement.
- Reviews production and operating reports and resolves operational and manufacturing problems to minimize expenses and prevent operational delays.
- Trains and develops all employees, identifying future leaders for Hearthside Food Solutions.
- Demonstrates the knowledge of core business and manufacturing processes and prioritizes direction based upon business/plant need and strategy.
- Drives accountability and compliance with company policies, procedures, and operational standards by effectively communicating expectations and changes to teams.
- Proactively communicates and collaborates with team members across departmental lines to achieve results.
- Identifies and develops future leadership and improves overall bench strength. Consistently makes good people decisions regarding recruitment, promotion, and assessment - possesses the ability to make tough but fair decisions.
- Builds and sustains a culture where people are our most important asset - Team members are highly engaged, clearly understand the Company/Plant Vision, and are valued for their contributions to their work and continuous improvement.
- Fosters and supports a zero mindset for frontline leaders and teams in regard to team member safety risk, quality or food safety risk, and waste. Builds capability of teams and empowers teams to make decisions closest to the work whenever possible.

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Engineering is required.
- 5+ years leadership experience, in a large manufacturing facility. Experience in food, beverage or CPG is an asset.
- Knowledge of Employment Standards, OHSA, HACCP, and/or Food GMPs is beneficial.
- Strong team building and leadership skills
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, at all levels of the organization
- Understands and has utilized continuous improvement tools; such as, Lean, theory of constraints, value stream mapping, root cause analysis, and/or Six Sigma
- Commitment to a safety/quality culture, JHSC certified is an asset
- Demonstrated problem solving and decision-making skills
- Strong ERP system experience is needed, with SAP experience being ideal
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite
- Effective use of key performance indicators to drive results
- Shift flexibility
- Proven ability to train and develop teams is require

**Salary range**: $115,000+ depending upon experience
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Hearthside Food Solutions believes in equal opportunity and it is our priority to ensure a barrier-free recruitment and selection process. If you require an accommodation during the recruitment process please let us know.
Hearthside is an Equal O