Job Type
Full-time
Job DescriptionPosition Summary:The Operations Manager is responsible for managing and overseeing plant manufacturing activities to meet business objectives in a cost-effective manner. Key areas of responsibility include production, scheduling, maintenance, raw materials, labor, quality, safety, environmental compliance, and other operational functions.
The Operations Manager will lead the facility to meet or exceed production goals while ensuring on-time delivery of high-quality products to customers. This role is also responsible for establishing and maintaining all necessary city, state, and federal operational permits, ensuring full compliance with applicable regulations.
The Operations Manager works closely with on-site Production Managers, Maintenance Manager, Supervisors, Quality Control, Human Resources, Safety, and other key company personnel to drive operational excellence.
Specific Responsibilities and Key Deliverables Include:- Manage daily manufacturing operations at the Buhl Plant by prioritizing and coordinating workflow to meet or exceed Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Value (SQDV) goals.
- Foster a safety-first culture by maintaining a safe work environment and driving safety improvements in partnership with the Corporate Director of EH&S.
- Develop, implement, and sustain standard work across all manufacturing processes.
- Drive operational efficiencies and margin expansion through material cost reduction, labor optimization, and expense control.
- Collaborate with Procurement to achieve cost, quality, working capital (inventory reduction/turn improvement), and delivery (on-time delivery) objectives.
- Coach, mentor, and develop the operations team to build both leadership and technical capabilities.
- Promote effective communications that encourage employee involvement, performance, and sound decision-making, while maintaining strong employee relations across the site.
- Ensure all EHS regulatory requirements are reviewed, understood, and met on time.
- Implement and maintain training programs emphasizing quality, efficiency, process variability reduction, and workforce flexibility.
- Partner with the Corporate Continuous Improvement Manager to implement the Rangen Management System (RMS), including visual SQDV management boards, daily production meetings, Gemba walks, and Kaizen events.
- Ensure compliance with all company policies and procedures.
- Provide formal and informal reporting on plant performance and operational issues.
- Oversee the Quality Management System, ensuring products meet customer specifications and cost of quality is minimized.
- Support the maintenance program by ensuring operators perform scheduled predictive and preventive maintenance activities.
- Use problem-solving skills to quickly resolve production and quality issues.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives to drive overall site performance.
Requirements
Requirements of the Role:- Strong ability to lead and manage at all levels of the organization.
- Proven track record in continuous improvement, both operationally and culturally.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to make autonomous decisions aligned with business objectives.
- Experience working with and influencing senior management.
- Ability to work cross-functionally to identify synergies between products and markets.
- Demonstrated success managing multiple priorities and projects under tight timelines.
- Experience managing budgets and operating within structured departmental and company processes.
- This role operates within a typical manufacturing environment. Expect extended periods of walking on concrete floors in PPE (safety glasses, work boots, dust mask, hearing protection) and climbing stairs to inspect equipment.
- The position may involve lifting materials and products up to 55 pounds. Administrative duties require extended periods at a computer to complete reports, scheduling, and other plant management responsibilities.
Qualifications Preferred:- 10+ years of leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
- Demonstrated experience driving continuous improvement in manufacturing and business processes.
- Strong mechanical aptitude for equipment operation and root cause analysis.
- Undergraduate degree in Engineering, Animal Nutrition, or equivalent experience.
- Familiarity with budgets and financial statements; working knowledge of P&L management expected.
Salary Description
$125,000 to $135,000
