OPERATIONS MANAGER

Summary

The Operations Manager provides direct leadership to production and sanitation teams and works cross-functionally to align operations with broader site and supply chain objectives. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong manufacturing expertise, proven ability to improve plant performance and a track record of developing teams in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily manufacturing operations across cheese and cream production, ensuring attainment of production targets and service levels
• Serve as acting site leader in the absence of the Site Director, ensuring continuity of operations and decision-making
• Drive execution discipline across production planning, scheduling, and line performance
• Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manufacturing best practices
• Own and drive key operational metrics including:
  • Quality and food safety compliance
  • Yield and waste reduction
  • Labor productivity
  • Conversion cost performance
  • Safety metrics (OSHA, incident rates)
• Monitor performance daily and implement corrective actions to address gaps
• Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving to improve plant performance and reduce variability
• Champion a "Safety First" culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards
• Ensure all food safety and quality programs (GMPs, HACCP, SQF) are followed and embedded in daily operations
• Lead and develop a team to include Production Managers, Clean in Place (CIP) Sanitation Manager
• Build a high-performing, accountable culture focused on safety, quality, and results
• Drive talent development, training, and succession planning within operations
• Ensure appropriate staffing, performance management, and employee engagement
• Partner closely with all departments within Cacique Foods
• Ensure alignment on production plans, material availability, and finished goods flow
• Collaborate to resolve operational issues and improve end-to-end performance
• Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste
• Identify and execute initiatives to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and optimize labor utilization
• Support delivery of plant financial targets, including conversion cost and cost of goods sold (COGS) performance

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in operations, Engineering, Food Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Minimum eight (8–12) twelve years of manufacturing experience, preferably in dairy or food production
• Minimum five 5+ years of leadership experience in plant operations or production management
• Strong knowledge of dairy manufacturing processes (cheese and/or cream preferred)
• Demonstrated success driving operational KPIs (quality, yield, cost, safety)
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong financial and operational acumen, including cost management and productivity improvement
• Proven ability to lead in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment
• Operational execution & accountability; leadership & team development; problem solving & root cause analysis
• Agile, dynamic and forward thinking