Operations Manager - Food Manufacturing

Rich’s, also known as Rich Products Corporation, is a family-owned food company dedicated to inspiring possibilities. From cakes and icings to pizza, appetizers and specialty toppings, our products are used in homes, restaurants and bakeries around the world. Beyond great food, our customers also gain insights to help them stay competitive, no matter their size. Our portfolio includes creative solutions geared at helping food industry professionals compete in foodservice, retail, in-store bakery, deli, and prepared foods, among others. Working in 100 locations globally, with annual sales exceeding $4 billion, Rich’s is a global leader with a focus on everything that family makes possible. Rich’s®—Infinite Possibilities. One Family.

PURPOSE STATEMENT

The Operations Manager will oversee all plant operations, ensuring the safe, hygienic, cost-efficient, and productive conversion of raw materials into high-quality finished products. Additionally, the Operations Manager will collaborate with various leaders to devise and implement business plans. This individual will also contribute to shaping the plant's strategic plans.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES/OUTCOMES

• Provides oversite to the Production, Sanitation and Maintenance teams, provides support and eliminates roadblocks to their success.

• Approves and ensures adherence to production schedules.   Monitors the assignment of staff to ensure that production schedules are met for finished goods inventories. Oversees operations to ensure that waste and production costs are minimized and there is conformance to associate safety and food safety/quality standards. 

• Assist and provides support to mechanical and operational problems on plant equipment, overseeing the planning and implementation of corrective action to ensure success.

• Develops, implements, and communicates short-term and mid-term (1 - 2 years) business plans for operations, ensuring associates understand the link to the plant’s, Division’s and the Corporation’s business plan priorities and understand their role in accomplishing these plans.  Assists in establishing the longer-term strategic plans for the plant.

• TPM methodology:

  • Develops an active Pillar masterplan for AM, PM, and Daily Sanitation meetings.

  • Have a clear understanding of TPM and losses in the plant; Achieve plant ROCS target of dollars and develop a plan for areas of responsibilities that is aligned to plant organizational goals and of moving through TPM Phases.

  • Responsible for developing plant capabilities on pillar tools & methodology.

  • Actively complete quarterly reviews of loss elimination for Pillars.

  • Ensure the calls with the Plant Pillar Owners are executed on a monthly basis.

  • Define system owners and drive execution of deliverables.

  • Responsible for understanding and coaching pillar standards at plants.

  • Responsible for tracking and achieving loss targets by Pillar.

  • Responsible to network and share best practices with other pillar team members.

  • Execute phase progression in TPM through phases in defined timeline.

  • Conduct quarterly Pillar self-assessment.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• BA/BS degree in Business, Supply Chain Operations, Food Science, Engineering, or related field preferred but NOT required

• 5 years supervisory experience in a food-processing, pharmaceutical or chemical manufacturing organization, preferably using computerized manufacturing equipment.

• Working knowledge of FDA regulations, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), sanitation processes/procedures and HACCP

• Demonstrated understanding of production scheduling and other production variables such as run-rates, processing times, change-over times, etc.

• Demonstrated knowledge of efficient and safe manufacturing operations to include product and associate safety, OSHA standards, product quality (success rates), throughput delivery and cost control (minimizing downtime and waste, optimizing yield)

• Demonstrated ability to direct, coach, and train associates as well as plan, monitor and schedule work

• Demonstrated ability to analyze and resolve problems.

• Demonstrated mechanical and spatial aptitude, including the ability to disassemble and reassemble equipment.

• Demonstrated ability to formulate and understand complex mathematical equations.

• Proficient using Excel or other spreadsheet software.

• Must be able to handle multiple assignments concurrently, possess excellent organizational and time management skills, and be able to function in a fast-paced