Sr Manager Operations and OpEx

Campbell's • Downers Grove, IL

1d • $131,700 - $181,100 • Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Manufacturing Operations and OPEX leads plant operations for an assigned functional area, driving performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People. The role owns execution of business objectives through strong leadership, operational rigor, and deployment of Operational Excellence (OPEX) principles aligned to the Campbell Way of Working.

This leader manages day-to-day operations, ensures safety and quality compliance, drives cost improvement, and builds a high-performing, engaged team. The role partners with Plant Leadership and cross-functional teams to deliver sustained performance and lead site transformation, requiring the ability to inspire trust, drive decisions, build talent, and own results.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 8 years of progressive leadership experience in a high-speed manufacturing environment.
• Experience with Operational Excellence, Lean, and Six Sigma fundamentals.
• Onsite role with a primarily Monday–Friday day-shift schedule; availability to cover evenings, nights, and weekends as needed.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's or master's degree in business, supply chain management, or engineering.
• Experience leading teams in a non-union environment.
• Proven ability to develop talent and lead and inspire teams, fostering engagement and continuous improvement.
• Cross-functional manufacturing experience with OPEX, Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, Visual Factory, and 5S program implementation.
• Ability to analyze complex data to identify trends, root causes, and improvement opportunities.
• Excellent leadership, verbal and written communication, and project management skills, including the ability to engage and motivate diverse teams.
• Track record of driving change and influencing stakeholders at all levels without direct authority, and collaborating cross-functionally to advance operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop frontline leaders, driving accountability, engagement, and high performance.
• Build leadership capability through coaching, succession planning, and talent development.
• Foster a culture of ownership, continuous improvement, and strong employee relations.
• Own and deploy OPEX strategy and execution across the plant, aligned with enterprise standards.
• Lead Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and resolve operational, safety, and quality challenges.
• Establish and sustain standard work, visual management systems, and tiered accountability routines.
• Drive root cause and failure analysis to deliver sustainable corrective actions and standardized improvements.
• Set and maintain production standards for safe, efficient, high-quality operations.
• Oversee process optimization, staffing models, and production planning.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, and regulatory requirements.
• Lead cost savings and productivity initiatives aligned to plant budget targets.
• Reduce Total Delivered Cost through operational efficiency and waste reduction.
• Drive performance using KPIs including OEE, downtime, labor efficiency, waste, overtime, and quality.
• Use data and analytics to prioritize improvements and ensure accountability.
• Lead performance reviews and align work with plant and enterprise goals.
• Partner with Maintenance, Quality, HR, Engineering, Finance, Planning, and Distribution to optimize business performance.
• Align plant initiatives with broader business strategy and the transformation roadmap.
• Lead change management efforts related to OPEX and plant transformation.
• Drive engagement through transparency, visibility, and strong leadership presence.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, short- and long-term disability, AD&D, and life insurance, with options for individuals, families, and domestic partners; benefits begin on day one.
• Matching 401(k) plan, with enrollment available on the first day of employment and immediate vesting.
• Unlimited sick time, paid time off, and holiday pay.
• Free access to the fitness center for employees at WHQ.
• Access to on-site day care operated by Bright Horizons and a company store at WHQ.
• Campbell’s Cares matches employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually.
• Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
• Wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: High school or GED