For over 30 years, this organization has specialized in
contract food manufacturing of acidified, shelf-stable retail and foodservice
products. Based in Fresno, California, the company produces high-quality
specialty foods packaged in glass, plastic, pouches, pails, and drums. Its
product portfolio includes sauces, condiments, garlic products, sun-dried
tomatoes, and a variety of ethnic food items serving an expanding global
market. The organization is known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and
operational excellence.
Position Summary
The Operations Manager is a key member of the leadership
team, reporting directly to the VP/CFO, and plays a critical role in driving
operational performance and efficiency across the organization. This individual
will oversee all core functions, including Supply Chain, Engineering, R&D,
Quality Control, and Production.
This role requires hands-on experience in food manufacturing
environments involving fresh or shelf-stable salsas, sauces, or similar
products. Ideal candidates will have experience with batching and formulation
processes (e.g., soups, chunky salsas, pasta sauces, chili sauces, cocktail
sauces), with hot-fill-hold experience considered a strong plus.
The Operations Manager will be responsible for executing
daily operations, achieving short- and long-term goals, leading
cross-functional teams, and implementing process improvements that enhance
quality, efficiency, and compliance. This role also plays a key part in
strategic planning, project execution, and fostering a culture of
accountability and continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee
daily operations across Supply Chain, Production, Engineering, R&D,
and Quality Control.
- Develop
and execute operational strategies to improve efficiency, productivity,
and profitability.
- Ensure
compliance with all regulatory requirements and food safety standards.
- Lead,
mentor, and develop cross-functional teams while promoting a
high-performance culture.
- Drive
continuous improvement initiatives, including process optimization and
cost reduction.
- Manage
procurement of materials and resources to support production demands.
- Implement
and maintain best practices across all operational functions.
- Monitor
KPIs and provide high-level reporting to executive leadership.
- Lead
change management initiatives and support long-term strategic planning.
- Enhance
customer satisfaction by improving service levels and operational
execution.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s
Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or related field (Master’s
preferred).
- 10+
years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing or
consumer goods.
- Strong
background in sauces, salsas, or similar formulated/batched products.
- Proven
experience managing complex manufacturing operations and driving process
improvements.
- Hands-on
experience with wastewater systems and reporting.
- Proficiency
with ERP systems (NetSuite, Redzone preferred).
- Strong
understanding of operational systems, cost control, and organizational
effectiveness.
- Experience
with statistical analysis, data processing, and performance metrics.
- Solid
financial acumen, including budgeting, cash flow management, and P&L
oversight.
- Demonstrated
leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving capabilities.
- Excellent
communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
- Up-to-date
knowledge of FDA, USDA, SQF, CFIA, CODEX, and local regulatory
requirements.
- Experience
in conflict resolution, negotiation, and business operations management.
Work Environment & Physical Requirements
- Ability
to stand and walk for extended periods, including climbing stairs.
- Exposure
to production environments with elevated noise levels (~85 decibels);
hearing protection required.
- Exposure
to varying temperatures, including cold production areas.
- Must
wear company-provided PPE while on the production floor.
- Ability
to lift up to 20 pounds as needed.
- Combination
of plant floor presence and desk/computer-based work.
- Must
adhere to all safety practices in a continuous improvement environment.
Salary - 125-140k/yr