Operational Excellence Manager

Position Summary

The Plant OpEx Manager will accelerate operational excellence change efforts at the production plant by leading organizational/leadership development processes, promoting employee engagement, and driving quality and productivity improvements.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

• Implement strategy and guide advancement of operational excellence at the plant.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Finance, Maintenance, Engineering Managers and others to understand site business priorities/goals and prioritize Continuous Improvement activity.
• Be a role model for trust, participation, and accountability.
• Consult on Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen methodology leaders to identify best practices and simplify work to deliver improved performance.
• Review site practices to identify opportunities and advise on appropriate organizational interventions, such as training and coaching, to improve site systems and practices.
• Guide locations in determining process improvement priorities that impact production and business results, and champion waste elimination and reduction.
• Lead improvement projects using Lean Six Sigma tools and methods to enhance plant performance and meet customer goals.
• Follow all food safety policies, procedures, and regulatory criteria, including SQF code, GMPs, HACCP, and FSMA.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, or Operations Management required.
• 5+ years of experience in Engineering, Business, or Operations Management.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Professional certifications and experience in Autonomous Maintenance, Training Development, Organizational Development, Coaching, Lean, and Change Management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage, and implement organizational and cultural change.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including building rapport and maintaining strong relationships across all levels.
• Project management capability with effective time management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Knowledge and strong working competence in Microsoft Office (Excel & PowerPoint).

Why Join Us

Ventura Foods innovates and manufactures food solutions for foodservice and retail businesses. As part of our team, you get a strong foundation of training, a manager who cares about you and celebrates your success, a safe environment, and challenging work. We invest in your growth because you invest in ours.

Benefits

• Medical, Prescription, Dental, & Vision coverage beginning on your 1st day for eligible employees.
• Profit Sharing and 401(k) matching (after eligible criteria is met).
• Paid Vacation, Sick Time, and Holidays.
• Employee Appreciation Events and Employee Assistance Programs.

Physical Demands

All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required tasks, typically including: intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing, and pulling. Occasional lifting and/or moving up to 50 pounds or more with assistance may also be required. Please see the job description for specific requirements.

Work Environment

Typical shifts are 8-12 hours per day. Additional unscheduled time after hours and on weekends may also be required. Employees must be willing and able to wear personal protective equipment as required by Company policy and/or legal requirements. Certain jobs may require exposure to outside and/or adverse temperatures, chemicals, fumes, and food allergens (may include soy, dairy, and other allergens). Employees may also be required to work in confined and dark spaces, and at heights in excess of 18 feet.

Diversity & Inclusion

We believe fostering an environment of inclusion and focusing on diversity across our organization is vital to attracting top talent, driving innovation, and meeting the high expectations of our customers in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.