Project Operations Manager

About the role

Lassonde Pappas & Co. is a US leader in beverage manufacturing, dedicated to customer satisfaction, team member care, and rural values. Founded in 1942, we produce delicious products for customers across the country. Our Project Operations Manager oversees the planning, set-up, and launch of our new manufacturing facility, focusing on building an inclusive environment and delivering profitable growth.

Responsibilities

• Work with Engineering to develop comprehensive plans for factory setup, including equipment layout, material flow, and production schedules, and manage their execution to meet timelines.
• Procure necessary ancillary equipment, materials, and tools, and ensure their proper installation and operation.
• Evaluate skill level of current staff to identify gaps, then oversee the hiring and training of staff to fill these gaps and successfully start-up the factory.
• Establish and document standard operating procedures, implement quality control systems (like ISO 9001), establish spare part lists and management, and input and establish OEM preventive maintenance procedures.
• Negotiate with suppliers for cost-effective solutions, ensure on-time delivery of materials, and manage relationships with vendors.
• Enforce strict safety policies and environmental regulations to create a safe working environment for all employees before, during, and after start-up.
• Cross-functional communication: Collaborate effectively with other departments, such as engineering, procurement, supply chain, logistics, and HR, to support the successful launch of the factory. Develop and lead the implementation of operational initiatives in support of Lean Six Sigma manufacturing (e.g., department utilization improvement, process capability enhancement, customer satisfaction, employee involvement).
• Suggest changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency. Sets and communicates standards, deploys resources, and achieves clear and measurable performance expectations for the operation.
• Communicate, implement, and assure compliance with governmental rules and regulations, as well as, Company plans, programs, policies, and procedures involved with the conduct of a safe, clean, environmentally sound, and efficient operation.

Requirements

• Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing experience in technical, maintenance, or production departments.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical degree.
• Experience in the food/beverage industry.
• Strong ability to motivate and direct teams, communicate effectively with all levels of staff, and resolve conflicts.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality control systems.
• Experience in Food and Beverage manufacturing, Change management – People, Management of Change (MOC) – Technical/Structural, Project Management, and Problem-Solving.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, detail-oriented, multi-tasking, organizational skills, and ability to direct, coach, and train others.
• Consultative, influential, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, familiarity with TQM and statistical process control concepts, knowledge of safety policies and procedures regarding chemicals, equipment/machinery, strong mechanical aptitude, good math skills, excellent negotiation skills, and ability to respond to off-hour emergencies.
• Physical requirements: frequent standing, walking, climbing stairs, stooping, bending, crouching, lifting up to 50 pounds, pushing/pulling, talking and hearing, visual detection, and exposure to wet and humid conditions and seasonal fluctuations in ambient temperature.

Qualifications

• Must have excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and night shifts, and respond to callouts on a non-routine basis.

Skills

• Project Management
• Manufacturing Processes
• Quality Control Systems
• Change Management
• Team Leadership
• Supplier Negotiation
• Safety Policies
• Operational Improvement
• Communication Skills
• Problem-Solving

Benefits

We offer a robust benefits program including: medical, dental, and vision coverage options, growth and development potential, along with 401-K, Life & Disability Insurance, PTO, Tuition Reimbursement, Health Fairs, Gym Membership Discounts, and so much more!

Pay

The Pay Range for this position is: $155,000-$230,000 plus annual bonus, depending on experience.

Schedule

This position is 100% on-site during the construction, start-up, and, at a minimum, first year of operation of the new facility. This position is not remote.