Sr. Manager, Operations

Work Location: Orangeburg. Due to the highly interactive nature of this manufacturing position, in-person attendance and flexibility are essential for supporting production schedules, effective communication and collaboration, real-time problem solving, and participation in cross-functional initiatives. Schedules may vary and are subject to change.

About the role

Join us at a defining moment. We’re building the largest food manufacturing facility in our network, a bold investment that will set new standards for scale, technology, and efficiency. This is a rare opportunity to play a critical role in building a site from the ground up, shaping the people strategy, culture, and operations that will power our future. We’re looking for a builder—someone who thrives in fast-moving, ambiguous environments and brings an entrepreneurial mindset. This role requires agility, curiosity, and a hands-on approach. You’ll be solving problems in real time, building processes from scratch, and creating a high-performing, engaged workforce from day one. If you’re driven by impact, ownership, and results, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark.

This isn’t about maintaining an existing operation; it’s about building, leading, and shaping a site from day one. You’ll sit at the leadership table, build a team and culture that lasts, connect local impact with enterprise strategy, and help establish a strong presence both inside the plant and in the Orangeburg community.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day production activities of finished goods to ensure smooth and efficient plant operation.
• Monitor safety, quality, and sanitation standards to ensure compliance with company standards.
• Ensure compliance of plant Quality Control programs to meet all Food Safety/Quality objectives in process reliability, product quality, product standards, specifications, and consumer complaint reductions.
• Monitor operations, evaluate operation efficiencies, and correct errors in a timely manner.
• Emphasize Continuous Improvement processes in all aspects of plant operation. Analyze and recommend improvements and modifications to improve overall plant operation efficiencies, quality, costs, safety, and sanitation.
• Develop and maintain key results and performance standards; conduct performance evaluations.
• Provide guidance, support, and coaching assistance as appropriate to maximize plant effectiveness and operational effectiveness by regular communication with all support functions.
• Participate in long-term strategic planning, identifying and defining issues affecting performance and making corrective action plans as well as forecasting expenditures and meeting budgetary requirements.
• Prepare reports documenting departmental activities.
• Assume Plant Director responsibilities as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Management, or related field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in operations management in food manufacturing.
• Previous experience leading continuous improvement initiatives in a manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading and developing a team of both hourly and salaried employees in a manufacturing environment (experience working with non-union employees a plus).
• Experience in a work environment with extended work schedules and specific time constraints; flexibility with 24-hour responsibility of plant operations.

Skills

• Strong communication skills.
• Adept at building relationships and maintaining a culture of growth, progress, and collaboration.
• Operating knowledge of manufacturing equipment.
• Leadership skills with ability to motivate and strengthen team and maintain standards of quality.
• Fluency operating in a highly digital environment and/or managing digital transformation.
• LEAN/Six Sigma experience.
• Data tracking management system knowledge (e.g., Redzone).
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Demonstrated experience aligning people, process, and structure with ways of working, leadership behaviors, and values that yield a strong, high-performance culture.

Benefits

At Ferrara, we're proud to support our employees with comprehensive benefits that enhance health, financial wellness, and include paid time off (PTO). Eligible employees may also receive an annual bonus based on company performance.

Pay

The salary range for this role is $98,843 - $138,381 annually.