Operations Manager

About the Role

gpac is partnering with an industry-leading food manufacturer to find an experienced Operations Manager who can lead plant operations, develop high-performing teams, and drive operational excellence. This is an outstanding opportunity to join a company that invests in its people and offers exceptional advancement opportunities.

Food Manufacturing Experience Required – Candidates without food manufacturing experience will not be considered.

What You'll Do

• Lead all daily production and warehouse operations to ensure safety, quality, efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Develop, coach, and mentor department managers while driving accountability and performance.
• Maximize productivity by improving throughput, reducing downtime, and optimizing labor utilization.
• Partner with Quality, Maintenance, Safety, HR, Planning, and Procurement to ensure seamless plant operations.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing and root cause analysis.
• Maintain compliance with FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and all food safety standards.
• Monitor KPIs and operational metrics to identify opportunities for increased efficiency and profitability.
• Support strategic projects, capital improvements, and plant-wide operational initiatives.
• Build and maintain a culture centered on safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Operations, Business, Food Science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• Experience in Ready-to-Eat (RTE), refrigerated, frozen, or other perishable food manufacturing is highly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations.
• Proven success leading production teams and driving measurable operational improvements.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, and KPI-driven management.
• ERP experience (SAP, Oracle, or similar) is a plus.
• Bilingual English/Spanish is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary of $110,000-$120,000
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Relocation assistance available
• Join a growing national food manufacturer
• Significant career advancement opportunities
• High-impact leadership role with visibility throughout the organization