Site Operations Manager -- Unionized Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma

Your mission

Own end-to-end plant production and drive measurable gains in safety, quality, service, productivity, and profitability—without compromising food-safety or compliance.

What you will own

• Production planning, direction, and coordination for the site’s manufacturing operations.
• Safety leadership: build and advance programs that protect employee health, security, and welfare.
• 5S discipline and environmental compliance across all production areas.
• GMP adherence and enforcement consistent with food-safety standards (e.g., SQF/ISO).
• Oversight of production and support teams consistent with company policies, principles, procedures, values, and standards.
• Talent development: assess, mentor, and coach leaders and teams for top performance.
• Continuous improvement: deliver technical recommendations and implement process enhancements.
• Cross-functional collaboration: partner with customers, sales, and internal/external resources to elevate service, flow, quality, and product value.
• Supervisory execution aligned to policy and law: interviewing, hiring, training, work assignment, performance reviews, rewards/discipline, and complaint resolution.

Key outcomes (first 12 months)

• Stabilize and then improve OEE while reducing waste.
• Elevate service levels and product quality metrics.
• Lower controllable costs through Lean/Six Sigma projects and structured problem-solving.
• Strengthen safety performance and 5S scores across all departments.
• Improve retention and engagement, reducing turnover.

Leadership scope

Direct reports include supervisors and lead personnel, as well as the hourly production workforce.

Qualifications (must-haves)

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of continued education and experience.
• 5–7 years of manufacturing leadership experience (or equivalent).
• Proven track record leading change in a union environment.
• Hands-on application of TQM, Lean, and/or Six Sigma to drive cost, productivity, and profitability improvements.
• Experience with SQF or ISO within a manufacturing setting.
• Technical leadership with structured problem-solving capability.
• Strong communication skills across all organizational levels.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and eager to learn new systems.

Nice to have

• Continuous Improvement certification or Black Belt.

Proficiencies

• Leadership / People Management
• Continuous Improvement
• 5 Why (Root Cause Analysis Method)
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• Lean Manufacturing Principles
• Coaching and Mentoring Experience
• Six Sigma Experience
• Workplace Safety & EHS Management
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
• Union operations and labor relations

Metrics you will manage

• Turnover
• Service
• Quality
• Cost
• OEE
• Waste

Work environment & physical requirements

• Lifting: minimum of 50 lbs.; Carrying: minimum of 50 lbs.
• Pulling: 2 hours; Pushing: 3 hours; Reaching above shoulders.
• Walking: 8 hours; Standing: 8 hours; Kneeling: 4 hours; Bending: 6 hours; Squatting: 6 hours; Climbing: 6 hours.
• Visual ability; Hearing ability.
• Use hands and fingers to feel, handle, push/pull levers & buttons, and operate various tools.

Impact beyond the plant

• Reduces the impact of plastic and paper on the environment through recycling and increased recycled content.
• Sets a high standard of industry leadership and corporate citizenship.
• Creates meaningful benefits for the environment and the community.
• Facilitates environmental action by retailers and the community.

Other duties and tasks may be assigned as needed.