Operations Manager

Puyallup Chocolates•Fife, WA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

Puyallup Chocolates is seeking a skilled Operations Manager to join our team. This position will play a vital role in helping to develop the processes and procedures to help expand our business. The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily production and operational activities within the Puyallup Chocolates facility. This role ensures that manufacturing runs efficiently, safely, and in compliance with food safety and quality standards. The Operations Manager will lead teams across production, maintenance, and warehouse functions while driving continuous improvement in cost, quality, and delivery. We are seeking employees who want to make an impact and be part of a rapidly growing company. Initiative and motivation are essential for our positions. This is a great opportunity to grow your career at a dynamic company, where you will be foundational in growing both our business and great company culture.

Requirements

Minimum BA/BS degree in related field
5+ years of operations or plant management experience in food or beverage manufacturing
Strong knowledge of food safety programs (HACCP, SQF, BRC, FSMA, OSHA)
Proven leadership and team management skills in a manufacturing environment.
Proficiency in ERP/MRP systems and MS Office Suite
Self-driven and ability to work effectively with minimal supervision
Ability to make wise decisions using effectual mix of analysis, experience, and judgment.
Strong data analysis skills with ability to translate complex data into sound business decisions
Ability to problem solve, multi-task, and manage competing priorities to meet deadlines
Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills in English, with focus on cross-functional collaborative teams
No food-related allergies to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, sesame, and/or soy products
Culturally sensitive and works well with the full diversity of our company and community
Ability to work non-standard hours to accommodate business needs, including nights, weekends, and holidays
Uncompromising integrity and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality
Ability to pass background check

Nice To Haves

Any related industry certifications / credentials
Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certification
Experience with chocolate production
Experience working with Tribal and/or Government
Work experience in a dynamic, fast paced and growing CPG company
Experience with MSDBC

Responsibilities

Direct and manage daily plant operations, including production scheduling, quality control, sanitation, and maintenance
Ensure compliance with all food safety regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, SQF/BRC, and company policies
Monitor KPIs (yield, efficiency, downtime, waste, and labor utilization) and implement corrective actions where needed
Manage budgets for labor, materials, and overhead, driving cost savings initiatives
Oversee staffing, training, and performance management of production and operations teams
Develop and maintain SOPs, ensuring consistent execution across all operational areas
Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, and R&D teams to meet production goals and new product launches
Oversee preventive maintenance programs for all production equipment; coordinate equipment repairs to minimize downtime
Plan for equipment upgrades and capital investment
Develop and enforce workplace safety policies and procedures to ensure OSHA compliance
Collaborate with QA to ensure facility readiness for regulatory, third-party, and customer audits
Identify opportunities for improvements, identify potential areas of risk, and promptly share critical business information with key stakeholders to maximize results throughout Puyallup Chocolates
Establish and maintain effective business relationships with all employees, vendors, business partners, government/regulatory entities, and communities in which we operate
Strictly enforce workplace safety measures; safeguard the welfare of all employees, guests, visitors, and business partners at all times; promptly report workplace risks, incidents, injuries, and near misses; consistently wear and utilize all required PPE
Maintain confidentiality regarding all sensitive and proprietary business information and safeguard Puyallup Chocolates assets at all times