Position Summary
The Senior Value Stream Manager is a pivotal leadership role responsible for overseeing end-to-end manufacturing operations across specific production lines and shifts within our Nature’s Bakery factory.
You will lead production teams to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality production while managing strategic external relationships. Your blend of operational expertise and partnership management will be critical to the site’s ongoing success and growth.
Key Responsibilities
Relationship Management
- Foster transparent, proactive communication to resolve issues and ensure operational performance meets or exceeds expectations for all parties.
- Support contract negotiations, business planning, and strategic alignment with partners.
- Drive cost-sharing initiatives and identify opportunities for joint process optimization.
- Lead structured governance routines with partner leadership, including performance reviews and recovery planning.
- Ensure site execution aligns with service level agreements and commercial commitments.
Operational Leadership
- Direct production teams across multiple lines and shifts, ensuring products are manufactured safely, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.
- Implement daily governance and rapid escalation protocols to maintain operational stability.
- Collaborate with engineering and operations to optimize line performance and achieve design capacity.
- Oversee capacity planning, equipment utilization, maintenance, and scheduling to maximize productivity.
- Champion the Nature’s Bakery Operating System, ensuring all operational procedures are current and effective.
- Lead and support continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence.
Team Leadership & Development
- Recruit, train, and mentor associates to build a high-performing, engaged workforce.
- Promote a culture of teamwork, accountability, and alignment with Nature’s Bakery’s core values.
- Develop talent pipelines and succession plans to ensure future leadership continuity.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all products meet or exceed quality and food safety standards.
- Lead ongoing quality and food safety improvement initiatives.
- Prepare for and support regulatory and third-party audits, maintaining full compliance with industry standards.
Site Leadership & Crisis Management
- Collaborate with site leadership to develop and execute both short- and long-term strategic plans.
- Identify and recommend new technologies and process improvements to maintain site competitiveness and operational excellence.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, or a related field required; MBA preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years’ progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, with a preference for food production environments.
- Demonstrated expertise in continuous improvement methodologies and problem-solving.
- Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and audit processes (FSMA/PCQI certification preferred).
EEO
We are committed to an inclusive workplace where diversity in all its forms is championed. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we are an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, or related field
- Minimum 10 years progressive leadership experience in manufacturing
- Experience with continuous improvement methodologies and problem-solving
- Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and audit processes (FSMA)
- PCQI certification
- MBA
- Ability to prepare for and support regulatory and third-party audits
- Experience managing production teams across multiple lines and shifts
What We Do
Nature's Bakery is a consumer packaged foods company that soft-bakes fig bars and wholesome snacks using sun-ripened fruit and whole grains. Founded in 2011, its products are plant-based, nut-free, dairy-free and Non-GMO Project Verified. Sold nationally in major retailers and online, Nature's Bakery joined KIND (within Mars) to scale its better-for-you snacking platform and expand manufacturing and distribution.
