Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager

Lawler Foods; Pembroke (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Dessert Holdings seeks an Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager for the Pembroke, NC facility. You will lead daily production operations, ensure food safety and quality, and drive TPM and continuous improvement initiatives to meet productivity and cost targets.

You will collaborate with QA, HR, R&D, and finance to deploy the Manufacturing Operating System and lead frontline development, coaching, and succession planning.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, or related field required.
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience with frontline teams.
• Experience in food/beverage or regulated manufacturing environments preferred.
• Proven track record in safety, quality, productivity, service, and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations with a culture of safety, quality, and sanitation.
• Drive operational excellence in labor management, planning, and performance tracking.
• Own key manufacturing metrics like safety, quality, yield, waste, downtime, and cost.
• Develop and mentor production managers, supervisors, and frontline staff.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

TPM

Six Sigma

Root Cause Analysis

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional partnership

Problem-solving

Communication

ERP reporting / Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

ERP systems

MS Office

Manufacturing reporting tools

Job description

Location Type:

Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager

Dessert Holdings is the leading premium dessert company in the world. We craft artisanal, scratch-made desserts at scale, combining culinary innovation with the finest real ingredients. With a rich heritage spanning seven distinctive brands, we bring unmatched expertise and tailored solutions to our Retail and Foodservice partners.

We are looking for a Operations and Continuous Improvement Manager to lead day-to-day production operations at the Pembroke, NC facility with accountability for safely delivering the production schedule while meeting expectations for food safety, quality, service, cost, productivity, waste, and equipment effectiveness.

As a member of the site leadership team, this role develops frontline leaders, establishes disciplined daily management, and coordinates cross-functional resources to resolve operating constraints. The manager also leads production's adoption and sustainment of the Dessert Holdings Manufacturing Operating System and enterprise Total Productive Maintenance initiatives. This position will work collaboratively with cross-functional leaders (QA, HR, R&D, etc.) to deliver site- and enterprise-wide initiatives. The primary accountability remains running production and consistently delivering business results; Continuous Improvement and TPM are the methods used to strengthen those results.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead daily production operations and champion a culture of safety, food safety, quality, sanitation, and regulatory compliance, ensuring adherence to GMPs, and company standards.
• Drive operational excellence through effective labor management, production planning, performance tracking, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Own key manufacturing metrics, including safety, quality, productivity, yield, waste, downtime, labor efficiency, and cost performance.
• Develop and lead production managers, supervisors, and frontline teams through coaching, accountability, performance management, and succession planning.
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Food Safety, Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, Warehouse, HR, and Finance to support plant performance and strategic goals.
• Lead problem-solving efforts to identify root causes, eliminate losses, and implement sustainable corrective and preventive actions.
• Support TPM, Manufacturing Operating System, and Continuous Improvement programs to improve reliability, efficiency, and overall equipment performance.
• Ensure accurate production, quality, sanitation, training, and compliance documentation while maintaining audit and certification readiness.
• Serve as a key member of the site leadership team, contributing to operational planning, change management, capital projects, new product launches, and business growth initiatives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, engagement, and continuous learning across the organization.
• Drive sustainable performance improvements through standardized processes, employee development, and data-driven decision-making.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, Supply Chain, Food Science, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and experience considered
• 5+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience with responsibility for production operations and frontline teams
• Experience in food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or other regulated manufacturing environments preferred
• Proven track record of driving results in safety, quality, productivity, service, cost control, and operational performance
• Strong knowledge of production management, workforce planning, food safety and quality systems, maintenance coordination, and materials management
• Experience managing key performance metrics, labor efficiency, budgets, and corrective action initiatives
• Hands-on experience with Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Six Sigma, root cause analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to lead change, develop employees, build cross-functional partnerships, and sustain operational improvements
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, ERP systems, and manufacturing reporting tools
• Experience supporting audits, regulatory compliance, food safety, environmental, and workplace safety programs preferred
• Background in high-volume food manufacturing, equipment reliability, capital projects, new product launches, or multi-site manufacturing operations is a plus

About Dessert Holdings

Dessert Holdings is a collection of premium dessert companies and brands: The Original Cakerie, Lawler's Desserts, Atlanta Cheesecake Company, Steven Charles, Dianne's Fine Desserts, Kenny's Great Pies, and Willamette Valley Pie Company. Dessert Holdings is owned by Bain Capital, is headquartered in St. Paul, Minnesota, employs more than 3,500 people across ten manufacturing facilities, and is continuing its journey of rapid growth.

EEO Statement

Dessert Holdings and its related entities provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristics protected by law.

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