1st Shift Operations Manager

Michigan Turkey Producers•Wyoming, MI

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is an entry-level "hands-on" Operations Manager role. Meeting USDA, HACCP, GMPF, and Company standards, and under the supervision of the Assistant/Plant Manager, the functions of this role are to manage associate safety, production, quality, yields, efficiencies, attendance, payroll, hiring, discipline, work rules, USDA procedures, training, paperwork, communication, and product safety. The role involves leading the team by identifying goals for the department and aligning them with the overall goals and direction of Michigan Turkey Producers. It requires building, coaching, and leading a high-performing team that works together to accomplish objectives and overcome challenges, while supporting and reflecting MTP’s core values. The Operations Manager will drive a culture of accountability and ownership by reinforcing expectations and following up on results, and implement and sustain continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve flow, and enhance engagement. Monitoring and responding to real-time performance data (yields, BPM, downtime, efficiencies and pounds per man hour - PPMH) and escalating concerns proactively is crucial. Ensuring proper shift handoff communication to maintain continuity and prevent disruption to production, safety, or quality standards is also a key responsibility. The role supports preventative maintenance by coordinating with the Maintenance team and helping to identify recurring equipment issues. Ensuring that all associates understand and follow company policy and safety procedures, providing proper onboarding and ongoing training to associates, and following up daily to ensure equipment and employee performance meets expectations are also essential functions. The Operations Manager must maintain efficiencies at or above standard, meet daily production schedules and staffing requirements, maintain the annual budget and assist with cost-control initiatives, and maintain and organize accurate records of production, downtime, payroll, and other key data. Managing standard operating procedures and ensuring adherence, ensuring product quality and food safety through proper NPIS/HACCP execution, supervising associates and promoting a respectful, safe work environment, and conducting regular associate meetings and daily floor communication are also part of the role. The Operations Manager will partner with QA, Food Safety, Human Resources, and USDA to ensure compliance and resolve issues timely, operate under OSHA & MIOSHA safety standards and rules, including proper PPE usage and LOTO practices, and support product trials, equipment evaluations, and process changes, providing feedback on performance, labor, and product impact. Utilizing system tools and data collection software to track performance, identify trends, and support decision-making, leading by example, promoting MTP values, and fostering a positive and communicative work culture are also expected. Other tasks as assigned will also be part of the responsibilities.

Requirements

Must be able and follow all the rules and procedures established by the HACCP program.
Must have good attention to detail.
Must be able to speak, read, write, and understand the English language.
Must be able to work safely.
Must be able to work in a team environment.
Must be able to manage the designated number of associates within the assigned area.
Must be able to have a good working relationship with hourly workers, USDA and Management members.
Must be knowledgeable in the processes of the assigned area.
Proven ability to think strategically and apply creativity to achieve practical solutions
Proficient communicator both written and orally.
Proficient computer skills utilizing Microsoft programs including Excel.
Must be able to and must wear necessary Personal Protective Equipment required while performing role: Protective Eye Wear, Ear plugs, Hard Hat, Hair Net, Protective Coat (clothing protector), Forearm protection, Plastics gloves, Cotton gloves, Plastic aprons.

Responsibilities

Manage associate safety, production, quality, yields, efficiencies, attendance, payroll, hiring, discipline, work rules, USDA procedures, training, paperwork, communication, and product safety.
Lead the team by identifying goals for the department and aligning them with the overall goals and direction of Michigan Turkey Producers.
Build, coach, and lead a high-performing team that works together to accomplish objectives and overcome challenges, while supporting and reflecting MTP’s core values.
Drive a culture of accountability and ownership by reinforcing expectations and following up on results.
Implement and sustain continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve flow, and enhance engagement.
Monitor and respond to real-time performance data (yields, BPM, downtime, efficiencies and pounds per man hour - PPMH) and escalate concerns proactively.
Ensure proper shift handoff communication to maintain continuity and prevent disruption to production, safety, or quality standards.
Support preventative maintenance by coordinating with the Maintenance team and helping to identify recurring equipment issues.
Ensure that all associates understand and follow company policy and safety procedures.
Provide proper onboarding and ongoing training to associates.
Follow up daily to ensure equipment and employee performance meets expectations.
Maintain efficiencies at or above standard.
Meet daily production schedules and staffing requirements.
Maintain the annual budget and assist with cost-control initiatives.
Maintain and organize accurate records of production, downtime, payroll, and other key data.
Manage standard operating procedures and ensure adherence.
Ensure product quality and food safety through proper NPIS/HACCP execution.
Supervise associates and promote a respectful, safe work environment.
Conduct regular associate meetings and daily floor communication.
Partner with QA, Food Safety, Human Resources, and USDA to ensure compliance and resolve issues timely.
Operate under OSHA & MIOSHA safety standards and rules, including proper PPE usage and LOTO practices.
Support product trials, equipment evaluations, and process changes, providing feedback on performance, labor, and product impact.
Utilize system tools and data collection software to track performance, identify trends, and support decision-making.
Lead by example, promote MTP values, and foster a positive and communicative work culture.
Perform other tasks as assigned.