Food Plant Operations Lead — Safety, Lean & Growth

Legacy Bakehouse; Cudahy (WI); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K matching

Company-paid Life, AD&D

Short Term Disability

Job summary

Legacy Bakehouse is seeking an Operations Manager in Cudahy, WI to lead production and sanitation teams. You’ll guide supervisors, collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, Purchasing/Logistics, and Planning, and ensure safety, efficiency, and top-quality standards across all bakeries.

You will drive continuous improvement, coach staff, manage KPIs, and maintain regulatory compliance (FDA, OSHA, GMPs) while building a culture of safety and operational excellence.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing (food industry preferred).
• Strong knowledge of food safety, sanitation, and general safety regulations (FDA, OSHA, GMPs).
• Proven ability to lead, coach, and develop both salaried supervisors and hourly teams.
• Experience in production planning, quality standards, and employee relations.

Responsibilities

• Lead Production Supervisors and Sanitation Leads, driving accountability and growth.
• Promote a strong 'Safety First' culture across all operations.
• Oversee daily production and sanitation activities, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
• Partner with Quality, Maintenance, Purchasing/Logistics, and Planning to align plant performance with business goals.
• Monitor and improve KPIs to measure efficiency, safety, and quality.
• Ensure all products meet strict customer and internal specifications for consistency and quality.
• Develop, implement, and train teams on operational procedures and best practices.
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and corrective actions when needed.
• Drive continuous improvement through lean practices, process enhancements, and equipment optimization.
• Maintain regulatory compliance (FDA, OSHA, GMPs) and support food safety initiatives.
• Ensure accurate completion of production, safety, and quality records.
• Take ownership of plant housekeeping and sanitation standards.

Education

Bachelor's degree in operations management, Business, or related field

Job description

Legacy Bakehouse is seeking an Operations Manager in Cudahy, WI to lead production and sanitation teams. You’ll guide supervisors, collaborate with Quality, Maintenance, Purchasing/Logistics, and Planning, and ensure safety, efficiency, and top-quality standards across all bakeries.

You will drive continuous improvement, coach staff, manage KPIs, and maintain regulatory compliance (FDA, OSHA, GMPs) while building a culture of safety and operational excellence.