Operations Manager 

Summary:The Operations Manager is responsible for coordinating, directing, leading, guiding, and managing areas of the plant in accordance with company policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements. This role is accountable for employee management, workplace safety, production of high-quality products, budgeting, and overall facility profitability. The Operations Manager will collaborate with Human Resources and production teams for hiring and training. This is a second-shift position with 3-4 direct reports and over 650 indirect reports.

Responsibilities:

• Plan, direct, and assign work to team members, evaluating performance and providing feedback to maintain high team engagement.

• Promote and maintain a safe workplace by enforcing safety and ergonomic programs and proactively addressing deficiencies.

• Actively participate in the Safety Committee.

• Develop and maintain a productive working relationship with Sales and Operations Planning to meet budget goals.

• Implement and track goals to reduce workplace injuries and costs associated with claims.

• Oversee production team members, ensuring operations align with established procedures, and updating procedures as necessary.

• Ensure compliance with CCPs, HACCP, and SSOP plans.

• Minimize product failures and foreign material issues while leading continuous improvement initiatives.

• Act as a liaison for vendors and suppliers.

• Implement, manage, and enforce the Management Operating System (MOS).

• Develop and enforce methods to ensure safety, production efficiency, and product quality standards.

• Manage labor, raw materials, yields, supplies, and waste reduction efforts to maintain budget efficiency.

• Oversee the MOS system to track labor, product, and packaging costs to optimize operations.

• Ensure compliance with company policies and legal requirements.

• Facilitate training and development programs for superintendents, supervisors, and team members.

• Perform additional tasks or duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Agriculture, Animal Science, Operations, etc.) OR at least 5 years of experience in meat processing at a Superintendent level or higher, including at least five years of supervisory experience.

• Experience in a fresh pork processing facility with knowledge of multiple departments, such as harvest, cut floor, boning, rendering, bacon, and blending. Rendering experience preferred.

• Strong leadership and motivational skills.

• Results-driven with an employee-oriented approach.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to prepare reports and business correspondence.

• Strong problem-solving abilities, including mathematical aptitude.

• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.

• Flexibility to work various shifts and extensive overtime, including weekends.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

• Commitment to safety policies and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Adherence to company policies and ethical standards.

• Ability to lift/move up to 30 pounds and perform physical job demands.

• Strong decision-making skills and willingness to attend additional training as needed.

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to work in hot, cold, wet, and humid environments across multiple shifts.

• Availability to work overtime, including weekends.

• Strong organizational commitment.

Work Environment:

• Exposure to extreme conditions, including fumes, airborne particles, and moving mechanical parts.

• Noise levels may be high, requiring hearing protection.

• Work near machinery and in varied weather conditions, including heat, humidity, and dust exposure.

Physical Demands:

• Regular lifting, pushing, pulling, and carrying of objects.

• Prolonged standing and walking under field conditions.

• Good manual dexterity and multi-limb coordination.

• Ability to move quickly and sustain stamina.

Other Duties:This job description is not exhaustive and may be updated at any time to include additional responsibilities as needed.