Project Operations Manager

LASSONDE PAPPAS AND CO INC•Upper Deerfield Township, NJ

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Operations Manager oversees the planning, set-up, and launch of the new manufacturing facility, coordinating all aspects of equipment installation and process development to hire and train staff to ensure a safe and efficient production launch. Key responsibilities include establishing initial production goals and plans, managing resource allocation, overseeing quality control and safety compliance, and leading teams through the entire startup process to achieve production targets. This position is not remote. The position is 100% on-site during the construction, start-up, and, at a minimum, first year of operation of the new facility. The Project Operations Manager’s primary will be repsponsible for driving performance in the manufacturing process through continuous improvement to deliver and sustain profitable growth once the new plant is running production. This position will also be responsible for assisting the Plant Manager in the development of the plant’s strategy. This position is also responsible for the Food Safety and Food Quality programs. This manager will work closely with the Plant Manager to direct and manage the day-to-day operation of the facility.

Requirements

Minimum of 10 years of manufacturing experience in technical, maintenance, or production departments.
Leadership and Communication: Strong ability to motivate and direct teams, communicate effectively with all levels of staff, and resolve conflicts.
Technical Knowledge: understands manufacturing processes, equipment, and quality control systems. Needs to have experience in Food and Beverage manufacturing
Change management – People – has used a structured change management process that supports people in adopting the change, minimizing resistance, and ensuring desired outcomes
Management of Change (MOC)– Technical/Structural – has used a structured MOC methodology to ensure the start-up is implemented correctly, safely, and efficiently, with proper risk analysis and validation.
Project Management – has experience managing medium to large projects related to line or factory start-ups
Problem-Solving: Ability to identify and resolve operational issues, bottlenecks, and inefficiencies during the startup phase.
Organizational & Planning Skills: Expertise in planning, scheduling, and managing complex projects and resources.
Must have excellent verbal and written communication skills
Must be detail-oriented and have the ability to multi-task
Proven organizational skills
Must have excellent time management skills
Ability to direct, coach, and train others.
Consultative, influential, strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
Familiar with TQM and or statistical process control concepts
Knowledge of safety policies and procedures regarding chemicals, equipment/machinery
Strong mechanical aptitude
Good math skills.
Excellent negotiation skills. - including an ability to understand sensitive situations
Must be able to respond to off-hour emergencies.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work as part of a team.
Ability to work weekends, holidays, and night shifts, and respond to callouts on a non-routine basis.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical degree
Experience in the food/beverage industry

Responsibilities

Project Planning & Execution:
Work with Engineering to develop comprehensive plans for factory setup, including equipment layout, material flow, and production schedules, and manage their execution to meet timelines.
Resource Management:
Procure necessary ancillary equipment, materials, and tools, and ensure their proper installation and operation.
Team Leadership:
Evaluate skill level of current staff to identify gaps. Then, oversee the hiring and training of staff fill the gaps to successfully start-up the factory.
Process Development:
Establish and document standard operating procedures, implement quality control systems (like ISO 9001), establish spare part list and management, and input and establish OEM preventive maintenance procedures
Supplier & Partner Relations:
Negotiate with suppliers for cost-effective solutions, ensure on-time delivery of materials, and manage relationships with vendors.
Safety & Compliance:
Enforce strict safety policies and environmental regulations to create a safe working environment for all employees before, during, and after start-up
Cross-Functional Communication:
Collaborate effectively with other departments, such as engineering, procurement, supply chain, logistics, and HR, to support the successful launch of the factory.
Develops and leads the implementation of operational initiatives in support of Lean Six Sigma manufacturing (e.g., department utilization improvement, process capability enhancement, customer satisfaction, employee involvement).
Suggests changes in working conditions and use of equipment to increase efficiency.
Sets and communicates standards, deploys resources, and achieves clear and measurable performance expectations for the operation.
Communicates, implements, and assures compliance with governmental rules and regulations, as well as, Company plans, programs, policies, and procedures involved with the conduct of a safe, clean, environmentally sound, and efficient operation.
Performs other related duties as required and assigned.