Operations Manager

At Saputo, we bring good to the table by making high-quality products, investing in our people, and supporting communities around the world . As a top 10 global dairy processor, we value contributions that matter and strive to foster an inclusive, growth-driven work environment. Ready to bring your best?

The Plant Operations Manager provides leadership and direction to manufacturing operations to include direct responsibility to produce aseptic, extended-shelf life or culture dairy products. He/she works closely with the Plant Manager to direct and manage the day to day operation of the facility and may serve as liaison between the Plant and other departments including Quality, Distribution, Maintenance, Headquarters, and State and Federal regulatory agencies. Execute at a high level, safely and in a manner that optimizes manufacturing costs while meeting company product quality standards.

How you will make contributions that matter...

• Provide leadership to the plant in all areas of responsibility including and not limited to receiving, blending/batching, processing, filling, packaging, quality, maintenance and storage/distribution.

• Support plant leadership in overseeing the overall activities of the manufacturing facilities of the plant to ensure customer orders are planned, scheduled, produced and shipped safely at the lowest landed cost and standards to meet the customers' requirements and service level agreements while maintaining corporate established quality standards.

• Analyze plant operations and key metrics to maintain operational efficiencies within each department.

• Is responsible for expense management and control, including shrink, labor and overhead costs.

• Utilize continuous improvement techniques and a Management Operating Structure (MOS) to identify root cause, risk mitigation and efficiency improvements. 

• Collect and report reliable information to measure the performance of the plant and of the various plant departments as required.

• Is responsible for ensuring customer needs are satisfied through scheduling processes which ensure that products are manufactured, loaded, and shipped to our various branded and core customers at the ordered quantities and on the required day.

• Ensures that appropriate SOPs are developed, executed and maintained for all aspects of our business.

• Is responsible for meeting all regulatory requirements and guidelines.

• Assists Technical Support staff on resolution of customer complaints and issues of product quality.

• Provides a high degree of leadership and management of employees directly or through management team to ensure effective selection, retention, development, training, disciplinary action and performance management. If a collective bargaining agreement exists, may participate in negotiations, grievances or other contract related activities and discussions. 

• Cooperates in a cross-functional manner as a change agent with all departments within the Company.

• Engages in the typical responsibilities of a manager requiring planning, training, evaluating, organizing, integrating and delegating.

• Lead the Saputo way by actively applying our Saputo values;

• Comply Saputo Code of Ethics. This includes following Company policies, standards and specifications.

• Work together professionally in a team environment with coworkers and other department personnel;

• Support other departments as needed and perform other duties as required by management.

You are best suited for the role if you…

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, emphasis in dairy sciences preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in a process-manufacturing environment managing a team/department at a high level.
• Dairy food manufacturing experience preferred, specifically aseptic, extended shelf-life and/or culture dairy food manufacturing.
• Thorough understanding of regulatory laws and responsibilities as they pertain to Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Experience using Continuous Improvement methodologies.
• Proficient understanding of budgeting and cost control.
• Proven track record of improved results in the areas of quality, safety, service and cost.
• Labor Relations, Safety, and Workers Compensation knowledge preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP applications, SAP preferred.
• Excellent verbal/written communication skills. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Skill in organization and prioritization, and attention to detail. 
• Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; ability to lead others through change.
• Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines. 
• Ability to select, mentor, coach, train/develop, engage and retain a team of employees.

We support and care for our employees by providing them with…

• Development opportunities that enhance you career fulfillment
• Meaningful compensation & benefits that help you care for your family
• Opportunities to contribute to your community and enhance the lives of others through Saputo products

In the USA, Saputo ranks among the top three cheese producers and is one of the top producers of extended shelf-life and cultured dairy products, with a portfolio of well-loved brands such as Stella, Frigo Cheese, Montchevre, Stella, and Treasure Cave. We also boast a strong foodservice presence, partnering with reputable chain restaurants and broadline distributors.

Whether your expertise lies in manufacturing, operations, supply chain, sales, quality assurance, or in any other function, your role is integral to our success. You will make contributions that matter, all while working alongside colleagues who genuinely care about your success and who will roll up their sleeves to help.

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA, LLC endeavors to make CareersUSA.Saputo.com accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact Human Resources at 214-863-2300 or email [email protected]. This contact information is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA, LLC are equal opportunity employers. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you'd like more information on your EEO rights under law, please visit www.EEOC.gov.

To review the Saputo Cheese USA Inc. and Saputo Dairy Foods USA LLC Privacy Notice for California applicants, please visit our Corporate website associated section by clicking here (English) or here (Spanish).