Operations Manager

Western-Smokehouse-Partners; Burlington (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

401(k) with company match

Paid time off (PTO)

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

Western Smokehouse Partners is seeking an Operations Manager to lead daily production and packaging/processing operations at our facility. You will drive safety, quality, and cost targets while coordinating cross-functional teams to meet customer demand and improve throughput.

The role requires 3–5+ years of food manufacturing leadership, hands-on GMP/HACCP experience, and a track record of continuous improvement. Join a growing company focused on quality and collaboration.

Qualifications

• 3–5+ years of progressive leadership in food manufacturing.
• At least 2 years managing supervisors in a USDA-regulated facility.
• Experience with meat processing and snack foods preferred.
• Proven record of improving operational performance, safety, and quality metrics.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all production activities across RAW and RTE.
• Ensure production schedules meet customer demand and inventory targets.
• Lead daily production meetings and KPI communication.
• Maintain compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, GMP, SQF/BRC.
• Drive continuous improvement and Lean initiatives.
• Partner with Quality Assurance on issues and CAPA.
• Manage department budgets and operating expenses.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Problem solving

Analytical thinking

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

KPI reporting tools

Job description

Join the TEAM at Western Smokehouse Partners!We’re more than just a leader in the better-for-you meat snack industry-we’re a team driven by quality, innovation and a passion for great meat sticks and jerky. With eight facilities across five states, we’re setting the standard in excellence for our co-manufacturing and private label customers. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of an industry-leading company that values contribution, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Western Smokehouse Partners is looking for an Operations Manager.The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily production and operational activities within the facility (Packaging/Processing). This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing operations while meeting quality standards, production targets, and cost objectives. The Operations Manager leads crossfunctional teams, drives continuous improvement, and maintains compliance with food safety regulations. This position reports directly to the Plant Manager and plays a critical leadership role in driving production performance, food safety, employee engagement, and continuous improvement initiativesKey ResponsibilitiesOperations LeadershipDirect and manage all production activities across RAW and RTE.Ensure production schedules are executed efficiently to meet customer demand, service levels, and inventory targets.Monitor daily production performance and implement corrective actions to achieve throughput, yield, and labor efficiency goals.Coordinate cross-functional activities between Production, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Warehouse teams.Lead daily production meetings and communicate key performance metrics and priorities.Food Safety & QualityMaintain compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, SSOP, GMP, SQF/BRC, and customer-specific requirements.Foster a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the facility.Partner with Quality Assurance to investigate and resolve product quality issues, customer complaints, and non-conformances.Ensure traceability, sanitation, allergen control, and environmental monitoring programs are effectively executed.Participate in corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives.Safety & Regulatory CompliancePromote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.Ensure employee adherence to lockout/tagout, PPE, machine guarding, and other safety programs.Drive continuous reduction in OSHA recordable incidents and workers' compensation claims.Team Leadership & DevelopmentLead, coach, and develop Production Supervisors, team leaders, and hourly associates.Establish performance expectations and accountability measures.Conduct performance evaluations and develop succession plans.Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and retention initiatives.Build a high-performing culture focused on engagement, teamwork, and operational excellence.Continuous ImprovementIdentify opportunities to improve productivity, yield, labor utilization, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies to drive continuous improvement.Analyze production data and implement process enhancements.Lead waste reduction and cost improvement initiatives.Financial & KPI ManagementManage department budgets and operating expenses.Monitor and improve key performance indicators including:YieldThroughputLabor EfficiencyDowntimeFirst-Pass QualityCustomer Service LevelsSafety MetricsDevelop and execute action plans to meet budget and profitability goals.Maintenance & Equipment ReliabilityPartner with Maintenance to maximize equipment uptime and reliability.Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs.Participate in capital project planning, equipment selection, installation, and startup activities.Ensure production readiness and capacity planning.QualificationsEducationBachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred.Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience considered.ExperienceMinimum 3-5+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing.At least 2 years managing supervisors and production teams in a USDA-regulated facility.Experience with meat processing, protein manufacturing, snack foods, or meat stick production strongly preferred.Proven track record of improving operational performance, safety, and quality metrics.Knowledge & SkillsStrong understanding of:Meat processing operationsThermal processing and smoking systemsHACCP, SQF/BRC, GMPs, and regulatory complianceUSDA food manufacturing requirementsLean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principlesExcellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.Strong analytical and organizational abilities.Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and manufacturing KPI reporting tools.Physical Demands and Work EnvironmentAbility to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs. during quality and sanitation inspections.Work is performed in a production facility with exposure to varying temperatures and manufacturing conditions.Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required in designated areas.Additional InformationOther duties may be assigned based on business needs.This role is essential to maintaining operational excellence and supporting company growth.Benefits OfferedHealth, dental, and vision insurance401(k) with company matchPaid time off and holidaysEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Equal Employment OpportunityWestern Smokehouse Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.If you’re looking for a workplace where you’re valued, supported, and where you’ll be a part of a team that’s shaping the future of meat snacks, we’d love to have you join us!