Manager, Operations

AgCertain; United States; On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

AgCertain is seeking a Manager, Operations to provide strategic and hands-on leadership for safe, GMP-compliant production of glycerin and oil. The role demands managing process systems, equipment reliability, safety training, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and costs.

You will oversee maintenance programs, coordinate capital projects, and ensure documentation and SOPs are up to date. Strong communication, leadership, and a commitment to safety are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering field required.
• Minimum five years of managerial experience in manufacturing.
• MBA preferred.
• Experience in biodiesel/ethanol or food processing plant preferred.
• Strong leadership and safety culture required.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership to ensure safe, GMP-compliant production.
• Lead safety initiatives and uphold value-based safety culture across production areas.
• Train and develop staff; manage scheduling and workload assignments.
• Oversee inventory management, procurement coordination, and spares planning.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce waste, boost efficiency, and improve product quality.
• Support maintenance program and preventative maintenance activities.
• Lead Change Management projects; contribute to SOPs and work instructions.
• Participate in capital project design, commissioning, and qualification.
• Create and maintain system overviews, LOTO procedures, and reliability strategies.
• Act as member of Crisis Management, Recall, and Food Safety teams as needed.

Skills

Leadership

Safety leadership

GMP compliance

SOP compliance

Training & development

Scheduling

Inventory management

Maintenance planning

Process improvement

Troubleshooting

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

MBA preferred

Job description

The Manager, Operations is responsible for providing operational leadership to ensure commercial execution. This role is accountable for the safe fulfillment of production needs in accordance with GMP policies and plant SOPs. Additionally, they are responsible for the leadership, training and development, scheduling, inventory management, process system and equipment reliability within production areas.Responsibilities and Duties:Operate safely and appropriately in all AgCertain situations and environmentsDisplay a dedication to lead, participate, and support ongoing safety including values based on safety effortsDemonstrate a detailed understanding of glycerin and oil production processesTrain and instruct employees on production related process proceduresHave a thorough understanding of and be able to apply Occupational Safety and Good Manufacturing Practices to procedures within the plant and understand how they affect the production processFollow all written procedures (SOPs) and work instructions that pertain to the respective areas, including the production of glycerin and oil, maintenance of equipment, and sanitation of equipment/production areasComplete all required documentation accurately and in a timely mannerAssist with writing and revising controlled documents such as SOPs, work instructions, and associated formsIdentify and lead continuous improvement initiatives while implementing new solutions and streamlining workflows to boost efficiency and reduce costsApply engineering principles to troubleshoot deficiencies, reduce waste, improve production efficiency, and improve product qualityManage and coordinate Management of Change projects for the plant including completion and delegation of process information updates, SOP creation or updates, operator training, process control updates, equipment design updates, etc.Assist the Team Leader, Maintenance with directing and overseeing the preventative maintenance program; verify that all required preventative maintenance is completed appropriately for all equipmentAttend and provide input at capital project design and coordination meetingsSupport commissioning efforts through installation, operational qualification, and process qualification stagesDevelop an in-depth understanding of assigned utility system(s) to create a system overview training document, perform as built changes to drawings, create LOTO procedure(s) and create preventative maintenance and reliability strategy documents or proceduresCreate maintenance work order requests for equipment repairs, deficiencies or identified improvement opportunitiesBe an active member of the Crisis Management Team, Recall Team, and Food Safety Team with a working understanding of the food safety and quality systems (HACCP, GMP, and SQF) to ensure product qualityParticipate in all company trainingsPerform additional duties as assignedA bachelor’s degree in an Engineering field; Master of Business Administration (MBA) preferredMinimum five (5) years industry experience with a management rolePrior experience in a biodiesel, ethanol, food processing plant or manufacturing facility preferredPhysical abilities to include the ability to lift 50 lbs (23 Kg), manage varying temperatures, climb several flights of stairs and not affected by heightsProven leadership skills and experience managing a teamPossess a mechanical aptitude for operating and maintaining pumps, motors, valves, heat exchangers, heaters and other processing equipmentMust be able to operate heavy equipment (electric forklift, diesel telehandler forklift, etc.) once trainedExcellent communication, organizational, management, and computer skillsAbility to interact professionally and effectively with internal and external customersAct with integrity, candor, excellence, curiosity, honesty, and a commitment to safetyAbide by Good Manufacturing Practices in all areas of the facility