Operations Manager

**Position Overview**:
**Key Responsibilities**:
**Production Management**:

- Oversee daily production activities, ensuring production targets are met efficiently and cost-effectively.
- Develop, implement, and monitor production schedules to meet customer demand and optimize workflow.
- Troubleshoot production issues, minimize downtime, and ensure equipment is maintained and operated correctly.
- Ensure production lines consistently produce food products that meet the company's quality and safety standards.

**Team Leadership and Development**:

- Lead, manage, and train a team of production supervisors, operators, and staff, fostering a culture of safety, quality, and high performance.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, providing coaching and feedback to promote employee growth and ensure job satisfaction.
- Promote teamwork and collaboration across departments, ensuring clear communication and support for production goals.

**Quality Assurance**:

- Ensure compliance with company quality standards and regulatory requirements, including FDA, USDA, HACCP, and GMP.
- Oversee the implementation and execution of a comprehensive quality assurance program, including inspections, testing, and audits.
- Monitor product quality throughout the production process, taking corrective actions when deviations from quality standards occur.
- Develop and enforce procedures for sampling, testing, and documentation to ensure traceability and product integrity.

**Health and Safety Compliance**:

- Enforce food safety protocols and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations to maintain a safe working environment.
- Lead efforts to prevent workplace accidents, injuries, and illnesses, ensuring all safety equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE) is utilized properly.
- Conduct regular safety audits, implement corrective actions, and ensure all employees are trained in food safety, ergonomics, and emergency procedures.
- Ensure adherence to all local, state, and federal regulations regarding food safety, sanitation, and worker safety.

**Supply Chain and Inventory Management**:

- Coordinate with procurement and warehouse teams to ensure an uninterrupted supply of raw materials and packaging materials.
- Oversee inventory management to prevent stockouts and ensure efficient utilization of resources.
- Monitor waste levels and identify opportunities for cost reduction through better inventory control and improved material usage.

**Continuous Improvement**:

- Drive continuous improvement initiatives aimed at optimizing production processes, increasing efficiency, and reducing costs.
- Utilize Lean, Six Sigma, or other methodologies to improve process flow, eliminate waste, and enhance overall operational performance.
- Promote innovation and automation where possible to improve production timelines and product consistency.

**Reporting and Analysis**:

- Prepare and present regular reports on production performance, quality, safety, and operational metrics.
- Analyze production data to identify trends, potential issues, and areas for improvement, presenting actionable recommendations to senior management.
- Manage key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production efficiency, quality, safety, and costs.

**Customer Focus**:

- Work closely with sales, marketing, and distribution teams to ensure timely and accurate delivery of products to customers.
- Address customer complaints or quality issues promptly and work with the team to resolve them while maintaining high customer satisfaction.

**Qualifications**:

- **Education**: Bachelor’s degree in food science, Business Administration, Industrial Engineering, or a related field. Relevant certifications in quality assurance, food safety, or operations management are a plus.
- **Experience**: Minimum of 5 years of experience in food production, manufacturing, or operations management, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
- **Skills**:

- In-depth knowledge of food safety regulations and quality management systems, including HACCP, GMP, and food labeling standards.
- Proven track record of managing health and safety compliance and driving a culture of safety.
- Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to motivate teams and collaborate across departments.
- Familiarity with Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to analyze and interpret production and quality data.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and production management software (e.g., ERP systems).

**Physical Requirements**:

- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with potential exposure to machinery, temperature fluctuations, and noise.
- Ability to lift up to 40 pounds and stand for extended periods as needed.
- Willingness to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) as required in a food production setting.

**Compensation**:

- Competitive salary b