Operations Manager

Founded in 2009 and headquartered in Downers Grove, IL we are a world-class contract manufacturer producing wholesome baked goods, snacks and packaged foods for many of the world's leading food companies. As one of the largest and fastest growing food co-manufacturing companies in the US, we are the proud owner and operator of over 35 facilities globally. Our nearly 10,000 employee-strong organization is leading the way and setting new standards for quality, safety, flexibility and efficiency while feeding families around the globe.

Hearthside's exceptional growth stems from its ability to address real-world problems for customers of all shapes and sizes, and by our resolute commitment to our belief that there are no great companies without great culture. Our culture of personal empowerment enables growth, learning, and continuous improvement every day!

We are steadfast in our ambition to be the indispensable and most trusted partner to our customers and need your help to do it! Join Hearthside and enjoy a competitive package, outstanding benefits and a diverse work environment.

The Operations Manager will be working in our Bolingbrook, IL facility. Bolingbrook is part of the HFS Packaging platform and packages dry foods such as crackers and cereals. The facility is known for training and promoting employees; many employees from other plants as well as corporate have worked and trained in this site. Bolingbrook is a suburb of Chicago and is one of the best places to live in Illinois. Just off of Historic Route 66, Bolingbrook is one of the fastest growing communities in the county. The vibrant and diverse community is convenient to area expressways and airports.

Job Scope:

Responsible for all production and packaging activities that are required to safely produce quality products with the most efficient use of labor and materials on a scheduled shift and line(s). This position reports directly into the Plant Manager and the core hours of the role are day shift, with the flexibility to work off-shift as needed to lead and support the team.

Core Responsibilities:

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Directly lead the Production Manager and a team of Production Supervisors. Directly supervise non-supervisory (lead) employees. Indirectly lead the non-union hourly team across the three-shift operation. Responsible for the overall direction, coordination and evaluation of these employees.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable federal, state and local laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring and training new employees; planning, assigning and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving issues.
• Direct the conversion of raw materials to finished products (mixing, baking and packaging processes) with minimum waste and labor cost.
• Monitor proper rotation of ingredients and raw materials.
• Responsible for maintaining a 5S environment.
• Responsible for scheduling, maintaining and approving production employee's work hours on a daily basis. Work with employees to investigate any scheduling and/or payroll-related issues.
• Responsible for complying with customer service and Company standards.
• Align labor and production schedules with customer requirements for both short-term operational efficiency and long-term strategic planning.
• Review production orders or schedules to ascertain product data such as types, quantities, and specifications of products and scheduled delivery dates in order to plan department operations.
• Plans production operations, establishing priorities and sequences for manufacturing products.
• Reviews production and operating reports and resolves operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems to ensure minimum costs and prevent operational delays. Inspect machines and equipment to ensure specific operational performance and optimum utilization.
• Partner with the Human Resource Manager to resolve employee issues and concerns.
• Train, develop and coach the Production Supervisor team.
• Comprehend key performance indicators (KPIs) and deliver weekly reports on their status and trends. Attend meetings and make presentations, etc. as needed.
• Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and enforce GMP compliance at all times.
• Comply with all safety, health and environmental regulations as prescribed by law.
• Comply with all Company rules, regulations and policies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Competencies & Knowledge:

Knowledge of:

• Company procurement, products, and production processes
• Knowledge and experience with SAP or other large ERP systems
• Food manufacturing experience is preferred.

Skilled in:

• Well-developed influence management skills
• Experienced in conflict resolution
• Prioritizes work based on short- and long-term objectives
• Successfully analyzes and presents data to multiple levels of the organization
• Well-developed project management skills
• Effective presentation, writing, proposals, business plans, SOP's
• Leading development and implementation of strategic goals and budget/cost control
• Personnel and performance management

Ability to:

• Define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions.
• Work in a fast-paced environment while being able to think outside of the box, reach creative solutions and make sound decisions.
• Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions and procedure manuals.
• Write routine reports and professional correspondence.
• Respond to common inquiries and complaints from customers, regulatory agencies, employees and members of the business community.
• Effectively present information to employees, management and public groups.
• Autonomously identify and actively address issues and tasks in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating self-drive and accountability.

Proficiency in:

• MS Office applications including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint is required.
• ERP systems; SAP preferred
• AGILE workflow experience is a plus

Minimum Qualifications:

• Four-year college degree in business, engineering or related technical field required; and
• Five (5) or more years leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, with some of this time in salaried leadership. Manufacturing experience is required; food manufacturing or packaging manufacturing experience is preferred.
• Excellent communication, conflict management, decision-making, motivational and organizational skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to work well cross-functionally among all levels of the plant and organization.
• Approachable and able to build strong working relationships with the entire team.
• Ability to lead from the office as well as the production floor.
• A servant leadership style or approach.
• Continuous improvement experience is preferred.

Work Environment:

• Ability to work well with others in stressful situations and meet deadlines as necessary.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and tasks.
• Receptive to new ideas, concepts and procedures.
• Receptive and responsive to constructive criticism.
• Maintain harmonious working relationships and effective communication with employees from all departments and management from all levels.

Hearthside is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Other details

• Job Family Manager
• Pay Type Salary

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