Manager, Plant Operations

Garelick Farms•Franklin, MA

19h

About The Position

Manage plant operating departments and staff across areas such as milk receiving, warehouse/cooler, processing, filling, packaging, and/or retort operations. Provide direction and supervision to supervisors and employees in accordance with standard work rules, applicable union contract provisions, and employment policies. Work closely with plant management and serve as a liaison with corporate functional departments, including quality assurance, human resources, accounting, engineering, purchasing, research and development, and risk management. Direct personnel activities, including recruitment, hiring, performance evaluations, and salary adjustments, using independent judgment within established human resources policies and practices. The role oversees daily production activities to ensure orders are received, scheduled, produced, and shipped safely, cost-effectively, and to customer requirements and service-level agreements while maintaining safety and quality standards. It monitors plant operations, addresses deficiencies and issues, improves processes, ensures operational procedures and safety programs are maintained, and supports regulatory compliance and positive employee relations. The manager also prepares management reports, monitors supplies and equipment inventory, and participates in inspections by authorized agencies. A high school diploma or equivalent is required; an undergraduate degree in a related curriculum is preferred. Candidates should have 5 to 8 years of manufacturing experience, preferably in food or beverage manufacturing, and supervisory or management experience. Relevant knowledge and skills include manufacturing process flow, process automation, continuous improvement, leadership and coaching, personnel management, Microsoft Office and company systems, analysis, collaboration, communication, judgment, and problem-solving. Candidates must be able to read, write, and speak English. Certification and/or a license may be required during employment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
5 to 8 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
Supervisory or management experience.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing process flow and its importance to the process.
Experience with process automation.
Strong knowledge of continuous improvement models.
Leadership and coaching skills, and knowledge of supervision, training, and personnel management.
Knowledge of and skill with Microsoft Office Suite and company computer systems.
Critical thinking, analysis, mathematical calculation, and statistical evaluation skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively and foster teamwork; interact positively with others.
Ability to use independent judgment in planning and organizing multiple tasks and information.
Initiative and follow-through on day-to-day responsibilities, with the ability to find solutions and propose process or procedure improvements.
Ability to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism.
Ability to communicate with personnel at various levels to ensure customer needs are met, and to respond courteously and efficiently to inquiries, complaints, and requests.
Ability to interpret and apply company policies and adapt to change effectively.
Ability to read, write, and speak English.
Certification and/or license may be required during employment.

Nice To Haves

Undergraduate degree in a related curriculum.
Manufacturing experience in food and/or beverage manufacturing.

Responsibilities

Manage daily activities of supervisors and operations staff to ensure orders are received, scheduled, produced, and shipped safely, cost-effectively, and in accordance with customer requirements, service-level agreements, and safety and quality standards.
Monitor continuous plant operations, report deficiencies to plant leadership, identify and resolve operational issues, evaluate current procedures, and develop and implement work improvements.
Ensure Standard Operating Procedures are developed and maintained for all operational activities.
Develop, implement, and update plant operations for all processes, and assist with developing and implementing plant safety programs.
Ensure supervisors understand and follow federal regulations and company policies, and communicate these requirements to production employees.
Conduct meetings with department management about policies, plans, operational or employee-relations issues, and general company information.
Prepare for and participate in plant inspections by USPH, USDA, and other authorized agencies, using appropriate staff.
Monitor inventory levels for supplies and equipment and initiate purchases as necessary.
Prepare reports and records for management review.
Evaluate teamwork, team spirit, and employees’ awareness of quality performance.
Manage assigned employees, including recruitment, supervision, scheduling, development, evaluation, and performance management; apply work rules, applicable union provisions, and employment policies; administer discipline fairly; and work with Human Resources and plant management to resolve grievances.
Communicate actively with employees through shift meetings and informal methods, and promote positive employee relations.
Maintain safe working conditions and compliance with company, state, and federal health and safety regulations.
Follow DFA good manufacturing practices and comply with regulatory, food safety, quality, and sanitation requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.