Operations Team Manager II

Ajinomoto Foods North America•Joplin, MO

About The Position

As an Operations Team Manager II, you are responsible for delivering strong performance in Safety, Quality, Cost, and Efficiency across the assigned production area and multiple shifts. You lead and develop the line team to achieve and sustain operational excellence through effective coaching, continuous improvement initiatives, and strict adherence to company standards. By building organizational capability, strengthening team skills, and driving process optimization, you ensure consistent execution, long‑term performance improvements, and a high‑performing operation that meets both daily production requirements and broader site goals.

Requirements

Minimum Associate of Science degree in a STEM field (Engineering, Food Science, Technology, Math, etc.) required.
Experience in lieu of degree will be considered.
Minimum of 4 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferably in the food industry.
Multiple examples of successfully delivering performance improvement in Safety, Quality, Cost and Efficiency.
Multiple examples of building organizational capabilities (team skill proficiency improvements, team promotions)
Multiple examples of solving issues to root cause and eliminating recurrence.
Multiple examples of deploying improvement tools and frameworks with measurable outcomes. (TPM, Lean, Six Sigma).

Nice To Haves

Preferred Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field or active enrollment in a STEM degree program.
(Internal Applicants) Preferred minimum of 2 years of AFNA manufacturing experience in a leadership role.
Extensive knowledge in deploying and maintaining GMP, HACCP, OSHA, and food safety regulations.

Responsibilities

Lead and motivate the production line team to meet and exceed performance standards in Safety, Quality, Cost and Efficiency within the designated work area(s) on multiple shifts.
Direct leadership and oversight to assigned production line(s).
Developing and coaching Team Manager I positions across various shifts, including performance management, professional development plans and goal setting.
Oversee all production activities across multiple shifts on one line or multiple lines, ensuring the safe, timely and efficient manufacturing of food products.
Identify and implement process improvements to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and lower operational costs.
Troubleshoot and resolve operational issues, from equipment failures to workflow bottlenecks.
Communicate clear expectations regarding operational standards, ensuring alignment with company policies and goals.
Develop and execute daily, weekly, and monthly production plans, ensuring alignment with broader site and corporate goals.
Conduct regular team meetings to align priorities, address challenges, and recognize achievements.
Provide coaching and feedback to all team members to drive accountability and high performance.
Oversee daily production activities, ensuring smooth line operation and quick resolution of any production issues.
Identify opportunities for operational improvement and lead initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and company safety policies.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Safety, Quality, Cost and Efficiency and implement corrective actions where necessary.
Drive adherence to operational standards and continuous improvement frameworks (e.g., Autonomous Maintenance, Focused Improvement).
Develop and manage the budget for the production line, ensuring cost control and optimal resource utilization.
Track financial performance weekly and monthly; analyze variances and adjust plans as needed to meet financial targets.
Identify cost reduction opportunities through improved operational efficiency and waste reduction.
Build a high-performing team by recruiting, training, and developing the Team Manager I and hourly team members.
Foster a culture of leading with Company Purpose and Values, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Provide coaching and development opportunities to team members to enhance skills and promote career growth.
Lead cross-functional training to ensure team versatility and flexibility in managing production demands.
Ensure Team Manager I and hourly team proficiency in key tools and systems, including: Loss Analysis & Gap Analysis Centerlines Small Work Teams (Natural Work Teams) Autonomous Maintenance Focused Improvement Root Cause and Corrective Action Systems STPD (Standardized Problem Solving) tool
Collaborate with site leadership, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to identify and resolve production challenges.
Partner with cross-functional teams to implement new processes, equipment, and product launches.
Act as the primary point of contact for production-related issues, ensuring alignment with broader plant objectives.
Engage in strategic planning with site leaders to ensure long-term operational success.