Manufacturing Operations Manager

SoTalent; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sotalent is seeking an experienced manufacturing operations leader in Portland, Maine. You will oversee 24/7 dairy production, drive efficiency, safety, quality, and regulatory compliance while leading cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities include planning, budgeting, cost control, and continuous improvement across processing, packaging and maintenance to meet production targets and delivery commitments.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in high-volume dairy manufacturing.
• Experience managing 24/7 operations.
• Budgeting and cost-control experience.
• Experience overseeing processing, packaging and projects.
• Knowledge of manufacturing regulations and dairy compliance.
• Experience with filling and packaging operations.
• Proven ability to build and develop effective teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage production plans, targets, labor and costs.
• Establish production, quality control and cost-management standards.
• Coordinate activities across departments and suppliers.
• Oversee performance, identify issues and implement cost-saving solutions.
• Manage budgets, resources, equipment and facilities.
• Support product strategy and process improvements.
• Ensure commitments in production, quality, and delivery are met.
• Maintain communication across shifts and departments.

Skills

Operations leadership

Budgeting

Cost control

Regulatory knowledge

Team leadership

24/7 operations

Cross-functional coordination

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree

Job description

Location: Portland, Maine, United States

About the Role

An experienced manufacturing operations leader is required to oversee production activities and operational performance within a high-volume dairy manufacturing environment.

The role is responsible for production planning, cost management, quality, regulatory compliance, workforce leadership and continuous improvement, ensuring manufacturing targets are achieved safely and efficiently across a 24/7 operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage manufacturing operations plans, including production targets, labour requirements, cycle times and operating costs.
• Establish production, quality control and cost-management standards.
• Coordinate manufacturing activities across production, processing, packaging, maintenance, suppliers and other departments.
• Oversee production performance, identify operational issues and implement solutions to minimise costs and delays.
• Manage budgets, resources, equipment and facility requirements.
• Support product strategy, research and development of new products, and manufacturing process improvements.
• Ensure production, quality and delivery commitments are achieved.
• Lead and develop operational teams, supervisors and staff.
• Ensure compliance with dairy processing, environmental, health, safety and employment regulations.
• Improve equipment, systems and processes to increase plant efficiency and operational performance.
• Maintain effective communication across shifts and departments.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in a high-volume dairy manufacturing environment.
• Experience managing operations in a 24/7 manufacturing facility.
• Strong budgeting, business planning and cost-control experience.
• Experience overseeing multiple operational functions, including processing, packaging and projects.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing regulations and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Experience with filling and packaging operations.
• Proven ability to build, lead and develop effective operational teams.
• Experience working with regulatory authorities and government representatives.
• Bachelor's or master's degree preferred.