Mgr Plant Operational Excell

Ventura Foods; Waukesha (WI); On-site; USD 31,946 - 33,393; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full medical and dental benefits

Employee appreciation events

Employee assistance programs

Job summary

Ventura Foods is seeking a Plant Operational Excellence Manager in Waukesha, WI to lead excellence initiatives across the production plant. Responsibilities include implementing strategies, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring compliance with food safety policies.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree and 5-10 years of relevant experience. Offering full medical benefits and an hourly starting rate of $23.19-$24.24, with potential increases every six months.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years of experience in Engineering, Business, or Operations Management.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement strategy and guide operational excellence.
• Consult on Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Oversee assigned plant continuous improvement resources.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety policies.

Skills

Lean Management

Six Sigma

Project Management

Communication Skills

Conflict Resolution

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, or Operations Management

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint)

Job description

Mgr Plant Operational Excell

Location: Waukesha, WI, US, 53186

Position Summary:

The Plant OpEx Manager will accelerate operational excellence change efforts at the production plant by leading organizational and leadership development processes, promoting employee engagement, and driving quality and productivity improvements. As part of the Plant Leadership Team the OpEx Manager will provide coaching to the team and other individuals regarding organizational effectiveness, operational improvements, continuous improvement methodology, and best practice execution. The Manager will provide influential leadership to support departments in gaining results throughout the site.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

• Implement strategy and guide the advancement of operational excellence at the plant.
• Collaborate with Production, Quality, Finance, Maintenance, Engineering and other managers at the location to understand site business priorities and use this knowledge to prioritize Continuous Improvement activity.
• Model mindsets and behaviors necessary to create an environment of trust, participation and accountability.
• Consult on Six Sigma, Lean, and Kaizen methodology to identify best practices and simplify and standardize work for improved performance.
• Review site practices to identify opportunities and advise on appropriate organizational interventions, such as training and coaching, to improve systems and achieve desired outcomes.
• Guide locations in determining priorities for process improvements that impact production and business results and champion waste elimination and reduction.
• Oversee and directly supervise assigned plant continuous improvement resources.
• Monitor improvement progress and sustain transformational gains over time through ongoing metric review and consultation with stakeholders.
• Lead improvement projects using standardized Lean Six Sigma tools and methods to improve plant performance and meet operational customer needs.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety policies, procedures and regulatory criteria, including SQF, GMPs, HACCP, and FSMA.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management or equivalent experience.
• 5-10 years of experience in Engineering, Business or Operations Management.
• Experience in a food manufacturing environment preferred.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Professional certifications and experience in TPM, Autonomous Maintenance, Training Development, Organizational Development, Coaching, Lean and Change Management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and implement organizational and cultural change and deliver results.
• Model role‑playing essential leadership development skills: feedback, coaching, listening, empowerment and difficult conversations.
• Conflict resolution and solution‑focused problem‑solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including building rapport, maintaining strong relationships across all levels and facilitating teaching.
• Project management capability with effective time management and ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong working competence in Microsoft Office (Excel and PowerPoint).

Benefits:

• Zero employee cost for full medical and dental benefits with Kaiser Permanente after successful completion of probation.
• Employee appreciation events and employee assistance programs.
• Hourly starting rate of $23.19-$24.24 with eligibility for increases every 6 months to $33.13-$34.63 by year 2; blender positions eligible for an additional $0.50/hr.

Physical Demands:

All jobs require sufficient physical strength and dexterity to perform the required tasks and typically also require intermittent sitting, standing, walking, climbing, squatting, kneeling, pushing and pulling. Occasional lifting or moving up to 50 pounds with assistance may also be required.

Work Environment:

Work may be performed outside or in adverse temperatures, including extreme heat, cold or humidity; exposure to vibrations, chemicals used in operations, fumes and food allergens; and work in confined or dark spaces or at heights above 18 feet may be required.

Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive environment in which all employees are treated with respect.

Ventura Foods is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.