Operations Manager - Packaging

Jack Link's Protein Snacks • Perry, GA

3h • $110,000 - $130,000

About The Position

The Operations Manager – Packaging is responsible for leading all packaging operations within a USDA‑regulated consumer‑goods manufacturing facility. This role oversees daily packaging processes, equipment performance, labor deployment, and workflow execution across all shifts. The Operations Manager ensures packaging lines meet safety, food safety, regulatory, quality, and production performance standards while driving efficiency, throughput, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Food Science, Business, or related field (preferred).
• 3–5 years of experience in consumer goods or food packaging; USDA experience strongly preferred.
• Proven leadership experience in a manufacturing or packaging environment.
• Strong understanding of USDA, HACCP, GMP, and food safety requirements.
• Expertise in packaging line operations, materials, and equipment.
• Strong data‑driven decision‑making abilities with ability to interpret KPIs.
• Experience with Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement tools.
• Proficiency with ERP/MES and production reporting systems.
• Strong communication, leadership, and team‑development skills.
• This is a full-time position operating on a Monday–Thursday schedule, with typical working hours of 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM or 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Candidates must be able to meet this schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead all packaging lines, teams, and daily operations to achieve production plans and customer order fulfillment.
• Manage line scheduling, labor planning, changeovers, and material flow to maximize uptime.
• Maintain line performance standards including throughput, yield, scrap, quality defects, and downtime.
• Own execution of packaging SOPs, process control points, and standard work.
• Monitor key metrics such as OEE, takt time, labor efficiency, and packaging accuracy.
• Drive immediate corrective actions when line performance falls below target.
• Identify bottlenecks and implement changes to improve workflow, staffing, or line configuration.
• Ensure packaging operations comply with all USDA‑FSIS regulations, GMPs, SSOPs, and HACCP requirements.
• Ensure packaging materials, labels, and finished‑goods handling meet regulatory and traceability standards.
• Support USDA inspections, pre‑op/post‑op findings, NRs, and corrective actions.
• Partner with QA to ensure packaging quality, seal integrity, label accuracy, and product identity preservation.
• Partner with Maintenance to maintain packaging equipment uptime, PM schedules, and troubleshooting processes.
• Lead SMED/changeover reduction efforts to increase line availability.
• Support new equipment integration, upgrades, and automation initiatives.
• Ensure proper machine setup, operator training, and verification before start‑up.
• Maintain packaging SOPs, line‑side visual controls, training guides, and material handling standards.
• Ensure ERP accuracy for packaging yields, material movements, and batch reporting.
• Lead daily tier meetings, shift handoffs, and root‑cause problem-solving discussions.
• Lead CI initiatives focused on waste reduction, productivity improvement, and cost savings.
• Apply 5S, Kaizen, root‑cause analysis, and visual management tools to drive operational discipline.
• Conduct process audits to verify sustainability of improvements and compliance to standards.
• Partner with Production, QA, Sanitation, Supply Chain, and Maintenance to ensure uninterrupted packaging operations.
• Communicate performance, constraints, material risks, and operational priorities to leadership.
• Support new product launches, packaging material changes, and trial runs.
• Handle other projects, duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• Jack Link’s provides a variety of benefits to eligible Team Members, including medical, dental and vision benefits, life and disability insurance, 401k participation, paid holidays, and paid time off.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees