Operations Manager

Position Title: Operations Manager
Location: Wallkill, NY
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $90,000 annually

We are seeking for an Operation Manager in a Ready-to Eat (RTE) Food manufacturing plant who directs daily production, supply chain, and packaging workflows. The Operation manager will drive strict compliance with Food safety protocols (ie. HACCP, FSMA, SQF, etc…), enforce strict hygiene standards, manage labor costs, and optimize overall plant efficiency to meet demands.

Job duties:

The operation manager is a critical site leadership role bridging executive strategy and daily plant-floor execution. Success relies on minimizing waste, preventing cross contamination, and maximizing uptime while strictly complying with FDA/USDA guidelines.

Food Safety & Quality Compliance

· Enforce and maintain a robust HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Point) and FSMA (Food safety Modernization Act) plan.

· Oversee Sanitation Standard Operating Procedures (SSOPs) and enforce strict environmental monitoring Programs (EMPs), including pathogen swabbing

· Ensure all production equipment is sanitary, properly calibrated, and maintained to prevent biological, physical, or chemical contamination.

· Champion a culture of quality, leading responses to SQF, BRC, or FDA audits.

Production & Plant Operations

· Plan and direct daily, weekly, and monthly production schedules and planning.

· Manage the end-to-end RTE process (prep, smoking/cooking, cooling, slicing, and packaging).

· Monitor Critical Control Points (CCPs) to guarantee proper cook temperatures, cooling times, and seal integrity.

· Track key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), yield, labor efficiency, and downtime.

Team Leadership & Training

· Recruit, train, and mentor production supervisors, QA leads, and line workers.

· Implement comprehensive, ongoing training on Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), allergen control, and personal hygiene.

· Conduct performance reviews, manage shift scheduling, and enforce safety/labor laws.

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

· Oversee raw material receiving, in-process inventory, and finished goods warehousing.

· Monitor first-in, first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation to minimize spoilage and waste.

· Collaborate with procurement to optimize ingredient purchasing and reduce supply chain bottlenecks.

Bachelor’s degree in food science, Operations Management, Business Administration, or Engineering (preferred).

Experience: 5+ years of progressive plant management experience in an FDA/USDA regulated food manufacturing facility.

Certifications: Current HACCP, PCQI (Preventive Controls Qualified Individual), and GFSI (Global Food Safety Initiative) certifications are highly desirable.

Technical Skills: Proficiency with ERP platforms and inventory management systems.

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