Plant Manufacturing Operations Leader — Food & Beverage (GMP, OEE)

A day in the life

As the plant’s operations lead, you start your day on the floor—walking a safe, spotless, 5S-organized facility where food-safety and quality come first. You coordinate production plans, align crews and supervisors, and keep lines running efficiently while never compromising safety, quality, or service. Throughout the day you mentor front-line leaders, partner with customers and sales teams to fine-tune flow and value, and translate data into better cost, OEE, and waste performance.

What you’ll lead

• Plan, direct, and coordinate all plant production activities to achieve top-tier safety, quality, service, productivity, and profitability.
• Champion initiatives that elevate employee safety, health, security, and overall welfare.
• Maintain a safe, clean, orderly (5S) and environmentally compliant operation.
• Enforce GMPs and all food-safety requirements; ensure programs meet standards such as SQF/ISO.
• Oversee production and production-support functions in alignment with company policies, principles, values, procedures, and standards.
• Assess, mentor, and coach direct reports to drive peak performance and growth.
• Provide technical recommendations and implement continuous-improvement solutions in the production process.
• Collaborate with customers, sales, and internal/external support resources to improve service, flow, quality, and product value.
• Carry out full-spectrum supervisory responsibilities in accordance with policies and applicable laws, including interviewing, hiring, training, work assignment, performance appraisal, rewards/discipline, and resolving complaints.

Leadership scope

You will directly lead supervisors and lead personnel, as well as the hourly production workforce.

Metrics you’ll own

• Turnover
• Service
• Quality
• Cost
• Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE)
• Waste

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or a combination of continuing education and relevant experience.
• 5–7 years of manufacturing leadership experience (or equivalent education/experience mix).
• Proven change leadership in a union environment.
• Evidence of applying TQM, Lean, and/or Six Sigma to improve cost, productivity, and profitability.
• Experience with SQF or ISO systems in a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated technical leadership using structured problem-solving methods.
• Clear, effective communication across all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the ability to learn new systems.
• Continuous Improvement or Black Belt certification is a plus.

Core proficiencies

• Leadership / People Management
• Continuous Improvement
• 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Coaching and Mentoring Experience
• Six Sigma Experience
• Workplace Safety & EHS Management
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Union (labor relations) experience

Physical requirements

• Lifting: minimum of 50 lbs.; Carrying: minimum of 50 lbs.
• Pulling: 2 hours; Pushing: 3 hours; Reaching above shoulders.
• Walking: 8 hours; Standing: 8 hours; Kneeling: 4 hours; Bending: 6 hours; Squatting: 6 hours; Climbing: 6 hours.
• Visual ability; Hearing ability.
• Use hands and fingers to feel, handle, push/pull levers & buttons, and operate various tools.

Our broader impact

• Reduces the impact of plastic and paper on the environment through recycling and increased recycled content.
• Sets a high standard of industry leadership and corporate citizenship.
• Creates meaningful benefits for the environment and the community.
• Facilitates environmental action by retailers and the community.

Willingly undertakes other duties and tasks as assigned.