Business Unit Leader Operations - Days

Day Shift 5:45AM-6PM

How you will make history here…

The Business Unit Leader – Operations – Day Shift is responsible for the management of the production departments within the food manufacturing plant. This role is responsible for setting the direction and achieving results through the entire operations team. This leadership role must be accomplished in an environment where safety comes first with a balanced ‘lean’ implementation mindset continually achieving and improving Quality/Housekeeping/Service levels/Productivity and Cost objectives.

What you will do…

• Manage, lead, and support multiple departments across the operation teams to include Packaging, Processing, Quality, Sanitation, Warehouse and Maintenance.  Coordinates activities between departments; ensure established safety, quality, service, and cost initiatives are delivered and commitments are met.

• Reviews production schedules: monitors, evaluates, and optimizes production execution; establishes priorities and sequences as needed to achieve optimal results. 

• Manages safe work practices throughout plant, observes safe work practices and communicates policies and practices with Business Unit Leaders/Department Managers, supervisors and team members.  Interprets, develops, and coaches the team in company safety policies, procedures, and regulations.

• Oversees product in-production inspections and audits ensure adherence to Quality and Food Safety standards that meet regulatory and customer expectations.

• Reviews production and operating reports; resolves operational, manufacturing, quality and maintenance problems to minimize cost, operational delays and Consumer and Foreign Matter complaints

• Analyzes and resolves work problems or assists team members in solving work problems.  Troubleshoots unusual or difficult issues requiring coordination and communication across cross-functional departments; follows through with quality and/or process improvements.

• Develops, coaches and/or mentors direct reports and team members.  Familiarizes team with established policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.  Communicates daily production performance and day-to-day issues with Business Unit/Department Leaders and team members.  Interprets and ensures consistent application of company policies.

• Drives employee engagement, implements effective training programs to develop leadership and technical skills within both the salaried and hourly workforce.  Provides feedback on performance and participates in creating development plans for each direct report. 

• Maintains a cohesive associate working environment and ensures teambuilding sessions are conducted within each department.

• Serves as a champion for developing and maintaining a strong “CI” culture within the respective departments and across departments; continuously working to develop a mindset within the leadership team and the entire facility to seek continuous improvement opportunities including intangible activities, as well as tangible support of CI initiatives. 

Who you will work with…

• Directs and manages multiple production operations teams from processing to packaging across multiple shifts in a 24/7 manufacturing environment. 

• Directly manages: 4 Supervisors as direct reports; indirectly manages all the operations team members in processing and packaging on shifts covered in specific production areas for a manufacturing facility that produces more than 90 million pounds annually.

• Responsibilities include interviewing and hiring employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; assessing and appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees. 

What you will bring to the table… (Must Have)

• A minimum of 5 years prior production management experience in a food manufacturing environment required

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience required.

• High performance work systems experience highly desired.

• CI experience.

• Effective written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills. 

• Effective interpersonal and leadership skills including listening and managing skills required to work in and manage teams.  Solid conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to identify and manage projects from concept to implementation and successfully drive project results.

It would be great if you have… (Nice to Have)

• Bachelor’s degree in manufacturing or engineering

• Experience with high-performance manufacturing work systems.