Area Manager

Ventura Foods • Chambersburg, PA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Area Manager oversees the development and implementation of the strategic vision and business plan for an assigned area or business unit, with 24/7 ownership and accountability for production goals, quality, safety, people leadership and engagement, and financial performance. The manager leads, motivates, coaches, and develops the area team and is responsible for daily direction setting, issue resolution, strategic thinking, continuous improvement, cross-functional communication, staffing and people planning, and overall area performance. The Area Manager drives innovation, success, and sustainability within the assigned area while contributing to plant objectives.

The role includes financial ownership and approvals, cost savings, KPI performance, staffing, scheduling and planning, employee training and development, CAPEX execution, project leadership, and performance management. The Area Manager attends specified meetings and provides detailed reports to the Operations Manager. The position leads the training lead and directs the OPEX engineer, ensuring team training and cross-training, policy and GMP conformance, housekeeping, talent assessment, bench strength, and OEE initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Production Management or Business, or equivalent experience.
• 5–10 years of experience in Production Management or Business.
• Superior planning, coordination, analytical, observational, strategic, and coaching skills.
• People leadership skills and initiative to create and embrace change.
• Knowledge of manufacturing facility packaging, equipment, and capacity.
• Ability to motivate, lead, and engage employees.
• Strong problem-solving skills and work ethic.
• Computer skills in Microsoft Office and Outlook.
• Proven ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing with all levels to achieve results.

Nice To Haves

• Prior supervisory and/or managerial experience in a food manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the strategic vision and business plan for the assigned business unit, maintaining 24/7 ownership of the area.
• Oversee financial performance, approvals, cost savings, KPIs, staffing, scheduling, planning, training, employee development, CAPEX execution, projects, and performance management.
• Attend specified meetings and provide detailed reports to the Operations Manager.
• Ensure production goals and product specifications are met; monitor production and resolve issues, including through cross-functional collaboration.
• Lead the training lead and ensure area employees are trained and cross-trained, company policies and GMP are followed, housekeeping standards are met, and talent assessments and bench strength are maintained.
• Direct the OPEX engineer and lead, participate in, and direct OEE initiatives in the business unit.
• Set daily direction for the area team and coach and develop employees.
• Lead continuous improvement, people planning, staffing, and overall area performance.

Benefits

• Medical, prescription, dental, and vision coverage beginning on the first day for eligible employees.
• Profit sharing.
• 401(k) matching after eligible criteria are met.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Employee appreciation events.
• Employee assistance programs.
• Career growth opportunities.
• Training and a supportive manager.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager