5-8+ years of progressive manufacturing/production experience, preferably in a regulated environment
Knowledge of CIP systems, sanitation processes, and food safety requirements
Experience supporting GFSI-recognized audits, such as FSSC 22000 or SQF
Working knowledge of ERP systems for production, scheduling, and inventory
Experience managing departmental budgets and controllable costs
Ability to lead, train, develop, and hold hourly and salaried employees accountable
Responsibilities
Lead daily production and processing across beverage lines to meet safety, quality, throughput, labor, and schedule goals.
Set clear expectations and coach supervisors, leads, and operators; manage performance and foster teamwork and continuous improvement.
Oversee blending, batching, process parameters, batch records, CIP, sanitation, and food safety requirements.
Track throughput, yield, waste, downtime, and labor efficiency; lead corrective actions with Maintenance and Engineering.
Coordinate production schedules and material flow with Procurement/Supply Chain and Warehouse.
Manage departmental budgets, labor and material variances, and cost improvement opportunities.
Develop training and succession capabilities; support GFSI audit readiness, CAPAs, and cross-functional plant initiatives.
Benefits
Opportunities for growth toward future manufacturing leadership responsibilities
Hands-on leadership role with a focus on team development
Engagement in cross-functional collaboration
Involvement in continuous improvement initiatives
Support for GFSI audit readiness and compliance efforts
Full Job Description
Position Summary
The Manufacturing Operations Manager leads day-to-day production, processing, and materials execution at our juice beverage manufacturing plant. Balancing hands-on floor leadership with production planning, budgeting, and cross-functional coordination, this role drives safe, efficient operations and develops high-performing teams. The successful candidate will have opportunities to grow toward future manufacturing leadership responsibilities.
Key Skills Required
Operational leadership and results management
Coaching, employee development, accountability, and conflict resolution
Root-cause analysis, problem solving, and continuous improvement
Production planning, KPI analysis, and ERP data management
Budget management, cost control, and cross-functional collaboration
Food safety, sanitation, CIP, and regulatory compliance
Primary Responsibilities and Essential Functions
Lead daily production and processing across beverage lines to meet safety, quality, throughput, labor, and schedule goals.
Set clear expectations and coach supervisors, leads, and operators; manage performance and foster teamwork and continuous improvement.
Oversee blending, batching, process parameters, batch records, CIP, sanitation, and food safety requirements.
Track throughput, yield, waste, downtime, and labor efficiency; lead corrective actions with Maintenance and Engineering.
Coordinate production schedules and material flow with Procurement/Supply Chain and Warehouse.
Manage departmental budgets, labor and material variances, and cost improvement opportunities.
Maintain accurate ERP production, batch, labor, downtime, and yield reporting.
Develop training and succession capabilities; support GFSI audit readiness, CAPAs, and cross-functional plant initiatives.
Key Performance Indicators:
Production schedule attainment and throughput
Yield, waste, and material utilization
Labor efficiency and overtime
Downtime and operational efficiency
Quality, food safety, and audit compliance
Department budget and controllable costs
Training, employee development, and performance
Continuous improvement and corrective-action effectiveness
Education/Experience
Required:
5-8+ years of progressive manufacturing/production experience, preferably in a regulated environment
Knowledge of CIP systems, sanitation processes, and food safety requirements
Experience supporting GFSI-recognized audits, such as FSSC 22000 or SQF
Working knowledge of ERP systems for production, scheduling, and inventory
Experience managing departmental budgets and controllable costs
Ability to lead, train, develop, and hold hourly and salaried employees accountable
Preferred:
Bachelor's degree in Operations, Manufacturing, Engineering, Business, or a related field; equivalent relevant experience may be considered
Food and beverage or regulated CPG manufacturing experience
Experience with blending, batching, or liquid processing operations
