Operations Manager (External Manufacturing)

Conagra Brands•Chicago, IL

13d•$81,000 - $118,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Reporting to the Director of Contract Manufacturing Facilities, you will manage quality, customer service, inventory, finished goods production, material planning, cost control, and cost reduction at Contract Manufacturing facilities. You will lead business growth and productivity improvement projects, maintain strong relationships with Contract Manufacturers, and ensure Conagra products meet all specifications and standards. Your Impact Manage projects from execution through commercialization, ensuring specifications are established and achieved during qualification and verification phases. Act as the project driver for key manufacturing initiatives, including new product introductions and facility rationalization. Establish and report KPIs for co-manufacturers on quality, food safety, customer service, and financial performance. Develop strategies to improve results and conduct regular operational reviews. Analyze and implement manufacturing best practices across strategic Contract Manufacturers. Drive operational savings at Contract Manufacturer facilities and validate progress from planning through implementation. Coordinate resolution of urgent business issues such as recalls, product holds, and inventory discrepancies, ensuring quick and cost-effective solutions. Benchmark competitive and industry trends for new technology and productivity strategies. Engage business partners to manage capital strategies for short- and long-term goals. Serve as liaison with internal Operations to align contract manufacturing with company strategy and maximize leverage across Marketing, R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Logistics. Collaborate with Procurement to develop manufacturing and capacity strategies aligned with marketing objectives.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
5+ years of experience in plant operations within a food or FDA/USDA-regulated environment.
Project management experience.
Continuous improvement skills.
Intermediate-level Excel proficiency.
Experience analyzing data.
Willingness to travel up to 50%.

Responsibilities

Manage projects from execution through commercialization, ensuring specifications are established and achieved during qualification and verification phases.
Act as the project driver for key manufacturing initiatives, including new product introductions and facility rationalization.
Establish and report KPIs for co-manufacturers on quality, food safety, customer service, and financial performance.
Develop strategies to improve results and conduct regular operational reviews.
Analyze and implement manufacturing best practices across strategic Contract Manufacturers.
Drive operational savings at Contract Manufacturer facilities and validate progress from planning through implementation.
Coordinate resolution of urgent business issues such as recalls, product holds, and inventory discrepancies, ensuring quick and cost-effective solutions.
Benchmark competitive and industry trends for new technology and productivity strategies.
Engage business partners to manage capital strategies for short- and long-term goals.
Serve as liaison with internal Operations to align contract manufacturing with company strategy and maximize leverage across Marketing, R&D, Quality, Manufacturing, Procurement, and Logistics.
Collaborate with Procurement to develop manufacturing and capacity strategies aligned with marketing objectives.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare plans, wellness incentive program, mental wellbeing support and fitness reimbursement
Great pay, bonus incentive opportunity, matching 401(k) and stock purchase plan
Career development opportunities, employee resource groups, on-demand learning and tuition reimbursement
Paid-time off, parental leave, flexible work-schedules (subject to your location and role) and volunteer opportunities

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