Position Summary
The Operations Manager is a key member of the leadership team, reporting directly to the VP/CFO, and plays a critical role in driving operational performance and efficiency across the organization. This individual will oversee all core functions, including Supply Chain, Engineering, R&D, Quality Control, and Production.
This role requires hands-on experience in food manufacturing environments involving fresh or shelf-stable salsas, sauces, or similar products. Ideal candidates will have experience with batching and formulation processes (e.g., soups, chunky salsas, pasta sauces, chili sauces, cocktail sauces), with hot-fill-hold experience considered a strong plus.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee daily operations across Supply Chain, Production, Engineering, R&D, and Quality Control.
- Develop and execute operational strategies to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and food safety standards.
- Lead, mentor, and develop cross-functional teams while promoting a high-performance culture.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimization and cost reduction.
- Manage procurement of materials and resources to support production demands.
- Implement and maintain best practices across all operational functions.
- Monitor KPIs and provide high-level reporting to executive leadership.
- Lead change management initiatives and support long-term strategic planning.
- Enhance customer satisfaction by improving service levels and operational execution.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing or consumer goods.
- Strong background in sauces, salsas, or similar formulated/batched products.
- Proven experience managing complex manufacturing operations and driving process improvements.
- Hands-on experience with wastewater systems and reporting.
- Proficiency with ERP systems (NetSuite, Redzone preferred).
- Strong understanding of operational systems, cost control, and organizational effectiveness.
- Experience with statistical analysis, data processing, and performance metrics.
- Solid financial acumen, including budgeting, cash flow management, and P&L oversight.
- Demonstrated leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Up-to-date knowledge of FDA, USDA, SQF, CFIA, CODEX, and local regulatory requirements.
- Experience in conflict resolution, negotiation, and business operations management.
Pay: $125,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Work Location: In person
