Operations Manager

Blommer Chocolate Careers • East Greenville, PA

6d

About The Position

The Operations Manager manages plant production and related functions, develops functional managers and supervisors through coaching and mentoring, and leads staff in achieving operational goals for quality, productivity, food and worker safety, and financial performance. The role ensures employees are trained, supports their development, and promotes clear communication, coordination, and collaboration across departments and shifts.

The manager uses data analysis, investigation, and discussion to resolve issues; monitors departmental metrics, budgets, and capital improvement plans; and leads initiatives to improve quality, reliability, timeliness, and cost effectiveness. The position oversees compliance with company policies, customer requirements, and applicable safety, OSHA, quality, HACCP, and GMP standards, and leads site visits, audits, and related corrective actions.

The role also manages departmental budgets and manufacturing costs, promotes equipment ownership and accountability, and models Blommer’s core values. The work takes place in a general office environment, with regular exposure to the plant floor, including noise, dust, and hot or cold temperatures. The position requires compliance with uniform and safety-gear requirements while on the plant floor.

Requirements

• Seven or more years of manufacturing experience as a department leader with supervisory direct reports; food ingredient industry experience preferred.
• Experience in project management, analytical and leadership skills, general manufacturing concepts, and advanced or specialized manufacturing skills.
• Experience developing short- and long-range goals and plans, and developing and analyzing budgets.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate verbally and in writing with personnel at all levels, internally and externally.
• Ability to establish and build trusting relationships.
• Strong negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to prioritize and assess business risks and adapt to rapidly changing situations.
• Ability to identify, communicate or escalate, and problem-solve issues as they arise.
• Understanding of financial and budgetary requirements.
• Systematic inventory management knowledge and experience working with an ERP system.
• Knowledge and application of lean tools, statistical tools, root cause analysis, and data analysis.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the food ingredient industry.
• Business emphasis in the relevant educational background.
• SAP experience.

Responsibilities

• Manage plant production and related functions.
• Develop functional managers and supervisors through coaching and mentoring.
• Lead staff in meeting or exceeding goals for quality, productivity, food safety, worker safety, and financial performance.
• Ensure employees are properly trained, establish stretch goals, and support continued team development.
• Communicate, coach, train, and develop employees.
• Conduct, facilitate, and participate in site meetings to strengthen coordination and communication across functions and shifts.
• Support managers and supervisors in resolving issues proactively through data analysis, investigation, and discussion.
• Ensure compliance with organizational and site policies and procedures related to safety, employee relations, and performance.
• Lead and provide input on plant improvement initiatives to enhance quality, improve timeliness, and minimize costs.
• Use the RedZone platform to improve reliability and communication, establish goals and standards, analyze data, and support spending decisions.
• Establish and monitor departmental performance metrics, evaluate results, and address opportunities to improve operational effectiveness.
• Review departmental budgets and capital improvement plans and activities.
• Foster cross-departmental collaboration to align goals and strategies.
• Ensure facility compliance with customer requirements and applicable safety, OSHA, quality, HACCP, and GMP standards.
• Lead and contribute to visits and audits, including leading corrective actions identified during audits.
• Promote equipment reliability, asset ownership, autonomy, and accountability.
• Manage departmental budgets and control manufacturing costs across assigned areas.
• Ensure compliance with established Blommer policies and procedures.
• Model Blommer’s core values by treating others with respect and care.
• Meet work-hour, schedule, attendance, and absence-notice requirements.
• Promote a positive attitude and curiosity in learning new roles and responsibilities.
• Instill a culture of leadership and team engagement to achieve performance expectations.

Benefits

• Health insurance, with eligibility beginning on the first day of hire.
• Dental insurance, with eligibility beginning on the first day of hire.
• Vision insurance, with eligibility beginning on the first day of hire.
• 401(k).
• Pet insurance.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• 10 pounds of free chocolate for the employee’s birthday.
• Eligibility for a discretionary annual bonus based on company, business-unit, and individual performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager