OPERATIONS MANAGER

CACIQUE LLC•Amarillo, TX

23d•Onsite

About The Position

The Operations Manager provides direct leadership to production and sanitation teams and works cross-functionally to align operations with broader site and supply chain objectives. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong manufacturing expertise, proven ability to improve plant performance and a track record of developing teams in a fast paced environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in operations, Engineering, Food Science, or related field (or equivalent experience)
Minimum eight (8–12) twelve years of manufacturing experience, preferably in dairy or food production
Minimum five 5+ years of leadership experience in plant operations or production management
Strong knowledge of dairy manufacturing processes (cheese and/or cream preferred)
Demonstrated success driving operational KPIs (quality, yield, cost, safety)
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies
Strong financial and operational acumen, including cost management and productivity improvement
Proven ability to lead in a fast-paced, hands-on manufacturing environment
Operational execution & accountability; leadership & team development; problem solving & root cause analysis
Agile, dynamic and forward thinking

Responsibilities

Lead daily manufacturing operations across cheese and cream production, ensuring attainment of production targets and service levels
Serve as acting site leader in the absence of the Site Director, ensuring continuity of operations and decision-making
Drive execution discipline across production planning, scheduling, and line performance
Ensure adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and manufacturing best practices
Own and drive key operational metrics including; Quality and food safety compliance; Yield and waste reduction; Labor productivity; Conversion cost performance; Safety metrics (OSHA, incident rates)
Monitor performance daily and implement corrective actions to address gaps.
Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving to improve plant performance and reduce variability.
Champion a “Safety First” culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards
Ensure all food safety and quality programs (GMPs, HACCP, SQF) are followed and embedded in daily operations
Lead and develop a team to include Production Managers, Clean in Place (CIP) Sanitation Manager
Build a high-performing, accountable culture focused on safety, quality, and results.
Drive talent development, training, and succession planning within operations.
Ensure appropriate staffing, performance management, and employee engagement.
Partner closely with all departments within Cacique Foods
Ensure alignment on production plans, material availability, and finished goods flow
Collaborate to resolve operational issues and improve end-to-end performance
Drive Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to enhance efficiency and reduce waste
Identify and execute initiatives to improve throughput, reduce downtime, and optimize labor utilization
Support delivery of plant financial targets, including conversion cost and cost of goods sold (COGS) performance