We are seeking an ambitious operations leader possessing an Engineering, Packaging Technology, or Agricultural background with experience producing bulk food ingredients, animal feed, or pet food products. As the Operations Manager you will be responsible for leading the day-to-day plant milling operations, driving continuous improvement programs utilizing Six Sigma Lean principles, facilitating material handling and logistics, and ensuring adherence to all safety programs.  Lead change management processes to incorporate new capital projects and production line enhancements when needed. 

Our client is a leading supplier of dry food ingredients, edible seeds, ancient grains, sweet spices, customized grain blends and specialty whole grain flours in the U.S. They are experiencing significant growth as their ingredients are being incorporated into a wide range of baking products to provide distinctive flavor and nutrition.  Our client has expertise in helping their customers differentiate their brands with healthy and flavorful grain-based foods.

Essential Job Functions:

·       Oversee all daily production, maintenance, blending, packaging, warehousing, and grain elevator operations.

·       Manage production costs, operational efficiencies, product quality, and inventory control programs to maintain and enhance profitable operations.

·       Optimize the safe material handling, packaging, and palletizing of all dry finished goods.

·       Lead all safety programs and strive to continuously improve plant safety performance.

·       Promote Continuous Improvement culture and drive implementation of all Continuous Improvement projects utilizing Six Sigma / Lean tools.

·       Work with Plant Manager to develop high performing teams through training, coaching, personal development, and continual exposure to “enrichment” opportunities.

·       Support development of annual budgets, capital projects and overall strategic planning for long-term plant sustainability.

·       Work closely with Sales and Quality Assurance teams to ensure superior customer satisfaction and adjust production as needed to meet unique customer requirements.

Qualifications include:

·       BS/BA degree required. Engineering, Agricultural, or technical discipline highly preferred.

·       5+ years Operations Leadership experience as an Operations Manager, Production Superintendent, or Packaging Manager in food processing, grain or flour milling, dry food ingredient, animal feed, or pet food manufacturing.

·       10+ years of collective Operations experience working in a food manufacturing environment.

·       Prior Managerial or Supervisory experience is essential.

·       Bilingual in English and Spanish is highly desirable but not required.

·       Must have strong mechanical aptitude and “hands on” on work ethic on production floor.

·       Demonstrated leadership in driving Continuous Improvement projects utilizing programs such as Six Sigma, Kaizen, TPM and other Lean manufacturing concepts.

·       Experience managing capital equipment and packaging or material handling personnel.

·       Strong customer-centric focus. Experience working with Sales to define customer expectations, establish relevant KPIs, and help build/maintain strong relationships.

·       Knowledge of governmental regulations such as OSHA, FDA, and food safety agencies such as BRC and SQF.

·       Strong business acumen – understands financial statements; prepares and manages budgets, and maintains appropriate cost controls, prior P&L responsibility is a plus.

·       Excellent oral and written communication skills and an ability to develop concise and persuasive business arguments. 

·       Strong technical skills with the ability to assess operations, analyze data, and prepare summary reports to chart progress and for senior leadership review.

·       Flexibility and adaptability, with the skills to relate well throughout all levels of the company. 

Compensation for this position includes an attractive base salary, bonus incentives, full medical/dental benefits, 401-K with company match, and paid vacation.  The ideal candidate would already be living in the greater Phoenix, AZ area.