Operations Manager

Shearer's Foods; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Shearer’s Foods in the U.S. Midwest is seeking an Operations Manager to lead day‑to‑day manufacturing, ensuring safe, efficient production of high‑quality snacks.

You will guide production teams, drive lean initiatives, and foster safety and employee engagement while collaborating across functions to meet cost and quality goals. A four‑year degree and 5+ years in food production management are required.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in a related field such as food science, operations management, or engineering.
• 5+ years of experience in production management or supervision in food processing.
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement experience.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage both salaried professionals and hourly associates and work a varied schedule.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient production of high-quality products.
• Provide leadership to production teams and drive operational excellence initiatives.
• Foster safety, accountability, continuous improvement and employee engagement.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to achieve business objectives and develop talent.
• Coach and develop future leaders and maintain a high-performance manufacturing environment.

Skills

Leadership

Lean manufacturing

Communication

Team development

Employee engagement

Continuous improvement

Problem solving

Schedule flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in related field (food science, operations mgmt, or engineering)

Job description

Overview

Shearer’s Foods, founded in 1974 and headquartered in Massillon, OH, is a leading manufacturer of salty snacks, cookies, and crackers. Specializing in private label and co-manufacturing, Shearer’s is the largest supplier of private brand salty snacks and second-largest supplier of private brand cookies and crackers.

With a strong focus on innovation, service, quality, and sustainability, Shearer’s has been awarded the food industry’s highest award for environmental sustainability, as well as multiple Supplier of the Year awards.

Operating 16 locations across North America and employing more than 5000 team members, Shearer’s is driven by its core values of People, Grow, Impact and Win. The company mission is to deliver exceptional products and services that make snacking a time to celebrate for our customers, colleagues, and community.

At Shearer’s Foods, we believe in a skills-first approach to recruitment and employment. This means focusing on what you can do and how you can grow, rather than traditional metrics alone. We are committed to adhering to anti-exclusion practices, removing barriers to access, and enhancing opportunities for all individuals based on merit and potential. Your skills, experience, and perspective are valuable—and we want to empower you to make your mark here with us.

Operations Manager

Your seat at the Table

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and directing day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality products. This role provides leadership to production teams, drives operational excellence initiatives, and fosters a culture of safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and employee engagement. The Operations Manager works cross-functionally to achieve business objectives while developing talent and supporting a high-performance manufacturing environment.

Driving Results

• Demonstrates a strong sense of urgency and accountability.
• Positively engages and motivates teams to achieve operational objectives.
• Maintains composure and effectiveness in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

People Leadership

• Values and respects diverse perspectives and backgrounds.
• Creates an inclusive environment that supports employee growth and success.
• Actively develops and recognizes talent.

Team Development

• Builds and sustains a stable, engaged, and high-performing workforce.
• Coaches employees to achieve individual and team objectives.
• Identifies and develops future leaders within the organization.

Collaboration and Communication

• Promotes teamwork and cross-functional partnership.
• Communicates clearly, effectively, and openly at all levels of the organization.
• Serves as a visible and accessible leader.

Employee Engagement

• Creates a positive, high-energy work environment.
• Builds commitment to organizational priorities and values.

Adaptability and Continuous Improvement

• Embraces change and drives innovation.
• Demonstrates flexibility in response to evolving business needs.
• Continuously seeks opportunities for professional and organizational growth.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in a related, business or technical field such as food science, operations management, engineering, or the equivalent in experience.
• 5+ years of experience in production management or supervision, in the food processing industry.
• Significant experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficient computer skills with the ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to manage both salaried professionals and hourly production associates in executing complex, operational programs.
• Ability to work a varied schedule.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law