Operations Team Manager II

Ajinomoto Foods North America•Oakland, MS

About The Position

Responsible for delivering performance targets in Safety, Quality, Cost, and Efficiency within the assigned production area across multiple shifts. Lead and develop the line team to achieve and sustain operational excellence through effective coaching, continuous improvement initiatives, and adherence to company standards. Build organizational capability to drive and maintain improvements in performance and efficiency.

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.
4 to 6 years Minimum of 4 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferably in the food industry
Multiple examples of 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 (TPM, Lean, Six Sigma).

Nice To Haves

Preferred Bachelor of Science degree in a STEM field or active enrollment in a STEM degree program.
Preferred minimum of 2 years of AFNA manufacturing experience in a leadership role.
Deplyoing and Maintaining GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations
Must be willing and able to relocate for promotional opportunities.

Responsibilities

Lead and motivate the line team (1st and 2nd shift) to meet and exceed performance standards in Safety, Quality, Cost and Efficiency.
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 line Team Manager I and hourly team members.
Foster a culture of 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