Our Fortune 200 dairy client is seeking an Operation Manager for a central Minnesota manufacturing facility near St. Cloud. This important position will report to the Plant Manager and manage a 24x7 operation mentoring, coaching and training team members to develop effective and efficient teams. Collaborates with Plant Steering Team to develop and implement short and long-term strategies, including project leadership, staffing and employee engagement.

This role is responsible for leading a production team comprised of seven salaried reports and over 140 hourly associates with the goal of creating a strong safety culture, positive employee relations & engagement and consistency throughout each of the teams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Develops and directs programs to ensure the efficient and cost-effective operation and utilization of facility assets.

Manages safety, quality, service, and cost performance within assigned area.

Makes recommendations to senior management on long range labor strategies and capital equipment needs.

Develops and implements recommendations to change systems, policies, and procedures; ensures timely and accurate implementation.

Collaborates with Human Resources in employee relations matters and ensures consistent application of policy expectations.

Implements strategies and tactics that align with department and company vision and goals.

Develops and maintains operating budget and capital spending plans for assigned area of responsibility.

Identifies, obtains, and develops staff capabilities needed to consistently meet departmental objectives.

Ensures industry best practices are applied and employees are trained accordingly.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor's degree required plus 7 plus years of supervisory/management experience in food processing/manufacturing operations with solid progressive leadership experience.

Strong presentation, communication, training, and interpersonal skills.

Proven track record of understanding the drivers of product and labor cost variances.

High speed food manufacturing.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Ten years of supervisory/management experience in cheese or food manufacturing operations with solid progressive leadership experience.

MBA or masters degree in engineering, preferred.

Proven ability to work with all levels and functions within the company.

Skilled in project management.

Experience leveraging skills and abilities of front-line employees.

Knowledge and exposure to TPM, Six Sigma, and various problem-solving methodologies.