MSM Operations Manager

Organization Background

We have over 20 years of oilseed processing experience and have established a reputation for product quality and excellent service with both customers and growers.

Montana Specialty Mills is a joint venture between Columbia Grain International, a leading worldwide grain and pulse supplier based in Portland, Oregon, and Evans Grain based in Burley, Idaho.

Our new, state-of-the-art crush plant and refinery represents a firm investment in Montana agriculture. Located along the Missouri River in Great Falls, this facility is focused on processing specialty oilseeds. Our Great Falls plant has the capability to load product into railcars, bulk trucks, totes, and drums. This facility is designed to process identity-preserved crops, and we offer a wide variety of products and toll processing services.

Position Description

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily operations within the oilseed processing facility, ensuring optimal efficiency, quality, safety, and cost-effectiveness. This role will coordinate plant needs with Logistics, maintenance, QA and Production. Also oversee streamlining production processes, and maintain compliance with environmental and industry standards, while driving continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist Plant Manager with coordinating plant operations, including production, quality, safety, and maintenance ensuring adherence to policies and procedures.
• Work closely with Plant Manager to monitor plant performance metrics and KPIs, identifying areas for improvement and implementing corrective actions
• Lead and manage all oilseed processing operations including seed preparation, crush, refining, and loadout.
• Ensure production targets are met in terms of volume, quality, cost, and schedule.
• Coordinate with maintenance to ensure reliability and minimize downtime.
• Manage staffing, including hiring, training, performance management, and scheduling.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols and promote a strong safety culture.
• Keep track of inventory and maintain adequate supply of product and supplies to keep production on schedule.
• Coordinate with QA Manager with all SQF documents and checklists to ensure facility will pass audits.
• Participate in plant improvement projects.
• Monitor and report KPIs, analyzing trends to identify areas for process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations, as well as company policies.
• Collaborate with procurement, quality, logistics, and engineering teams to support operational needs.
• Participate in capital project planning, equipment upgrades, and expansion initiatives.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement practices.

Skills, Knowledge, Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Agriculture, Food Science, related field or 5+ years of experience in oilseed processing or related agri/food industry, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Strong knowledge of oilseed processing methods (crushing, refining, Plant Operations, Logistics, Food Safety).
• Proven ability to manage teams and complex operations in a manufacturing environment.
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