Operations Manager - Dakota Spirit

Accepting Applications through 5/17/2026

Job Summary:

Responsible for the operation of the plant to ensure maximum production quantity and quality, by directly supervising process operators who work on a 24 hour rotating shift schedule, while supporting the policies, goals, and objectives of the company.

Operations:

• Ensure that process operators are adequately trained, equipped and motivated, so that total manufacturing objectives can be accomplished in a safe, timely, and cost-effective manner.

• Communicate regularly with all process operators, both individually and as a group to ensure consistent operation among the shifts.

• Assist with hiring of plant personnel.

• Conduct employee performance reviews based on job descriptions to determine competency, knowledge, and contribution of the process operators.

• Maintain and update operating procedures and training manuals for process operations. Ensure that all process operators are trained on the most updated version of the operating procedures.

• Monitor and control plant operations.

• Provide expectations and parameters to lead operators for plant production.

• Review the operation of the plant to monitor production and quality, to anticipate and solve problems in a timely manner, and to identify opportunities for improvement.

• Initiate and carry out projects that improve efficiency and or reduce operating costs.

• Maintain adequate records on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis of key production variables such as production volume, yield, plant uptime, utility consumption, etc.

• Provide written reports on plant production.

• Maintain safety, health, and environmental policies and procedures.

• Ensure city, county, state, and federal regulations relating to process operations are met at all times.

• Direct, maintain, and enforce the safety program for all process operations; review safety records to uphold standards of maximum safety for all process operators.

• Coordinate activities with other departments.

• Communicate directly with maintenance department to coordinate maintenance and repair work in process areas.

• Communicate directly with QC laboratory to ensure effective participation by the process operators in the implementation of QC policies and procedures.

• Implement programs and procedures required to ensure plant cleanliness.

• Monitor use and inventories of process chemicals and supplies. Initiate reordering when necessary.

• Assist all other employees and departments as required for efficient plant operation.

Supervisory:

• Directly supervises process operators
• Carries out responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws
• Assists with interviewing, hiring, and training plant employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employee; and addressing complaints and resolving problems

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in industrial field and at least 3 years in power or process systems or equivalent production environment or equivalent combination of education and experience
• Must have a valid driver's license
• Employee must live within one hour drive time of the plant location

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior leadership experience including directing and/or scheduling work in a manufacturing/industrial setting

Required Key Skills & Competencies

• Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
• Ability to learn and work effectively with the plant's Distributed Control System (DCS)
• Ability to build relationships, establish credibility and influence all levels of the organization that creates a team environment of open dialog and continuous improvement with employees.
• Skills in communication, both verbal and written to effectively communicate. This includes strong report writing.
• Skills with Microsoft Office including Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams
• Ability to plan, organize, prioritize time/workload to accomplish tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to apply mathematical, statistical and scientific concepts to practical situations.

Ability to analyze, research, organize and interpret data; possess a high level of attention to detail and accuracy.