Operations Team Leader - 3rd Shift - Cedar Rapids, IA

About the Role

The Operations Team Leader provides leadership for the whole shift, fostering a team workplace where cooperation, innovation, and manufacturing capabilities solve problems. This role drives sustainable performance by leveraging people and processes, creating an environment where learning is meaningful for both the business and employees. The leader is responsible for the operational plan, Run results, and Improve results for their shift, with performance metrics including Human Safety, Food Safety, Quality, Performance, Cost, and Engagement. This position supports the 3rd shift (11pm - 7am).

Responsibilities

• Safety:
  • Lead food and human safety through Safety 2.0 leadership principles and standards.
  • Cultivate a Human Safety Culture that reduces risk by proactively discussing, identifying, and controlling risk.
  • Cultivate a Food Safety Culture committed to manufacturing safe, compliant food.
• People Leadership:
  • Role model Engaging Leader behaviors.
  • Develop and implement strategies to maximize shift team effectiveness through communication and collaboration.
  • Provide clear individual priorities and team goals to deliver platform priorities.
  • Cultivate a positive and supportive team environment to foster engagement and retention, including dedicated "floor time" with the team.
  • Demonstrate commitment to ongoing development and willingness to receive and act on feedback for performance improvement.
  • Drive sustainable performance improvement through coaching, development, and capability building of the shift team.
• Process Leadership and Ownership:
  • Driving System Utilization (DSU):
    • Support the creation and execution of the platform improvement plan.
  • Daily Direction Setting (DDS):
    • Responsible for the execution, results, and process health of Shift DDS, including changeovers.
  • Operations Foundational Systems:
    • Integrate operations foundation systems to secure equipment basic conditions (CIL/CL/DH) across the shift.
    • Produce safe, quality product by running to target specifications.
  • Learning System:
    • Responsible for the delivery of the shift learning plan.
    • Identify skill gaps, develop training plans, and track employee progress.
• Know Your Operation, Data, and Technology:
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret manufacturing data to make informed decisions (e.g., overuse, performance).
  • Build a comprehensive understanding of the production system, equipment, and product transformation process.
  • Develop a strong understanding of inventory management principles, material specifications, quality control procedures, and traceability systems for Ingredients, Materials, and Finished Products.
  • Deepen understanding of daily management and process ownership (e.g., DH, CL, CIL).
  • Secure fluency in Theory of Operation (TOO) and Problem-Solving tools and processes (IR, UPS, QCO).
  • Increase proficiency in labor management and creating, maintaining, and utilizing a training/skills matrix to identify skill gaps, develop training plans, and track progress.
• Back-Up Coverage:
  • Provide backup support as needed to ensure business continuity and operational efficiency.

Requirements

• 1 year of manufacturing or frontline leadership experience.
• Demonstrated leadership and experience working in a highly collaborative environment.
• Proven success in driving results through process and teamwork.
• Experience reducing losses and improving performance in a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated technical capability and knowledge of unit operations and machinery (at least one production platform).
• Skilled at communicating between work groups, cross-functional resources, and other plant members.
• Foundational knowledge of data analysis systems (e.g., SAP, Maximo, Manufacturing Analytics, MQIS) and decision-making for results.

Preferred Qualifications

• 2 years of manufacturing experience.

International relocation or remote working arrangements (outside of the US) will not be considered. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; General Mills will not sponsor work visas for this position.

Pay

The salary range for this position is $71,300 - $107,000 annually. Pay is determined based on experience, performance, skills, education, work experience, certifications, and other relevant factors. Beyond base salary, General Mills offers a competitive Total Rewards package focusing on overall well-being, including health benefits, retirement and financial well-being, time off programs, well-being support, and perks. Eligible employees may also participate in an annual incentive program, with awards dependent on individual and organizational performance.