Operations Manager

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.; Gustine (CA); On-site; USD 177,000 - 256,000; Full time

Job summary

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS) seeks an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Gustine, California facility. This role guides day-to-day operations across production, maintenance, warehousing, sanitation, safety and inventory to meet safety, quality, productivity and cost goals.

You will partner with corporate operations, supply chain, quality, finance, HR and commercial teams to align plant performance with company objectives. A hands-on leader on the floor is essential.

Qualifications

• Progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing or related consumer packaged goods.
• Experience leading complex, multi-process manufacturing operations with multiple product formats.
• Demonstrated success leading multifunctional teams across production, maintenance, warehousing, quality and safety.
• People-focused leadership style with ability to coach and develop leaders.
• Proven track record of improving operational performance through structured continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of food safety, quality, and regulatory programs (HACCP, SQF, GMPs).
• Strong communication, influencing and business partnership skills.
• Ability to use data to drive operational and financial decisions.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop managers and supervisors across multiple operational functions.
• Drive production, quality, customer service, safety and financial results.
• Champion continuous improvement to boost productivity, efficiency and profitability.
• Promote food safety, quality, and compliance with GMPs, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, allergen controls, sanitation.

Skills

People leadership

Operations leadership

Continuous improvement

Food safety & compliance

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Communication

Job description

John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (JBSS) is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead our manufacturing facility in Gustine, California. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader to develop a talented team and drive performance across safety, quality, productivity, cost management, and continuous improvement.

What You'll Do:

As Operations Manager, you will provide leadership for the day-to-day operations of the Gustine facility, ensuring safe, efficient, compliant, and cost-effective performance across the operation. You will oversee multiple functional areas, including production, maintenance, warehousing, sanitation, safety, and inventory/materials management.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Lead and develop teams of managers and supervisors across multiple operational functions, driving accountability, employee engagement, performance, and leadership development.
• Drive operational performance to achieve production, quality, customer service, safety, and financial objectives.
• Champion continuous improvement by evaluating processes and implementing initiatives that improve productivity, efficiency, throughput, and profitability.
• Promote food safety, quality, and compliance through adherence to GMPs, HACCP, SQF, FSMA, allergen controls, sanitation programs, and preventative controls.
• Partner cross-functionally with corporate operations, supply chain, quality, finance, HR, and commercial teams to align plant performance with company objectives and customer expectations.
• Build a strong plant culture by maintaining a visible presence on the floor, coaching leaders, developing employees, and creating accountability across teams.

What We're Looking For:

The ideal candidate is a visible, hands-on leader who can build trust, develop talent, and create accountability within a fast-paced manufacturing environment. You should be comfortable working directly with teams on the production floor while also partnering with senior leadership on broader operational priorities.

Successful Candidates Will Bring:

• Progressive leadership experience within food manufacturing or a related consumer packaged goods environment.
• Experience leading complex, multi-process manufacturing operations with multiple product formats, production flows, and customer requirements.
• Demonstrated success leading multifunctional teams across areas such as production, maintenance, warehousing, quality, safety, and other operational disciplines.
• A people-focused leadership style with the ability to engage employees, coach and develop leaders, and build accountability.
• A proven track record of improving operational performance through structured continuous improvement efforts.
• Knowledge of food safety, quality, and regulatory programs, including HACCP, SQF, GMPs, and related standards.
• Strong communication, influencing, and business partnership skills.
• The ability to use data to make decisions that support operational and financial objectives.

The starting salary range for this position is $176,863-$256,452. The base salary offered will be determined by factors including, but not limited to, experience, credentials, education, certifications, skill level required for the position, the scope of the position, and geographic location. In addition to the base salary, this position is eligible for performance-based incentives subject to the terms of the underlying plan.

Additionally, we provide a comprehensive benefits package that reflects our commitment to support the wellness of our colleagues and their families. This includes health benefits, professional growth support, generous paid time off benefits to support work/life balance, retirement benefits and other programs to support financial wellness. A full listing of our extensive benefits package can be found on our Company website, located here: Careers | John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc.

JBSS 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 status as a protected veteran.