Operations - Operations Manager

EarthFresh•Houston, TX

2d•Onsite

About The Position

Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, U.S., the Operations Manager is responsible for leading all production and packing operations within a fast-paced potato processing and packing facility. This role provides leadership to Supervisors and production staff to consistently achieve daily, weekly, and monthly targets related to output, quality, safety, and efficiency. The Operations Manager oversees production planning, execution of the daily production schedule, labor management, process control, and equipment utilization. This role acts as a hands-on leader and change agent, driving continuous improvement while ensuring compliance with U.S. food safety, quality, and workplace safety standards.

Requirements

High school diploma required
HACCP certification required (or ability to obtain)
5–7+ years of production or operations management experience in the produce, potato, or food manufacturing industry
Strong working knowledge of GMPs, HACCP, USDA standards, and Occupational Safety regulations (OSHA)
Mechanical aptitude with hands-on troubleshooting experience in a production environment
Experience with packing lines, scales, grading systems, and production interfaces
Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, 5S, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
Experience with ERP systems and production reporting tools (e.g., inventory, labor tracking, costing)
Strong leadership, coaching, and team development skills
Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities
Ability to prioritize and manage multiple competing demands in a fast-paced environment
Experience with labor planning, including temporary workforce coordination
Flexibility to work extended hours, including evenings and weekends
Regularly required to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility
Ability to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds occasionally
Frequent use of hands, tools, and equipment controls
Ability to work in a production environment with moderate noise levels
Must be able to visually monitor production processes (close and distance vision)

Nice To Haves

post-secondary education in Operations, Agriculture, or related field preferred

Responsibilities

Develop and execute daily, weekly, and monthly production plans aligned with customer demand and inventory levels
Create and manage the daily production schedule, ensuring optimal sequencing for efficiency and throughput
Monitor real-time production performance and adjust operations to meet targets
Ensure continuous process flow across all packing lines
Lead, coach, and develop Supervisors and production employees
Set daily line assignments and oversee startup and shutdown of operations
Maintain accountability for meeting key performance metrics (safety, quality, output, labor efficiency)
Conduct performance reviews and support employee development initiatives
Ensure all finished products meet USDA grade standards and customer specifications
Enforce compliance with HACCP, GMPs, and food safety programs
Monitor product quality, address deficiencies, and implement corrective actions
Plan and coordinate daily labor requirements, including temporary staffing agencies
Optimize labor utilization and productivity across all production lines
Approve timesheets and support payroll processes
Maintain staffing levels through recruiting, hiring, and training
Ensure availability and accuracy of raw materials and packaging supplies
Oversee inventory control processes, including repack and traceability systems
Manage consumables ordering to support uninterrupted production
Improve material flow and inventory accuracy
Partner with maintenance teams and external vendors to improve equipment uptime
Support troubleshooting and resolution of equipment issues
Drive improvements in equipment utilization and reliability
Lead and implement continuous improvement initiatives (Lean, 5S, Six Sigma)
Analyze production and labor data to identify efficiency opportunities
Act as a change agent to improve productivity, cost control, and operational performance
Collaborate with Sales, Logistics, Shipping, and Procurement for inbound and outbound planning
Communicate production status, shortages, and changes proactively
Review reports and adjust plans based on operational and customer needs
Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), and company policies
Maintain a strong safety culture and enforce safe work practices
Ensure adherence to all employment and labor regulations
Monitor production reporting systems and key operational metrics
Review production, inventory, and labor reports (including variances and shortages)
Support cost control initiatives, including labor and standard costing awareness
Perform additional duties as assigned by the Vice President of Operations