Operations Manager

Oskaloosa Food Products; Oskaloosa (IA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Oskaloosa Food Products is seeking an Operations Manager to oversee daily plant operations, align with strategic goals, and lead a safety-focused team. The role requires strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills to ensure production targets, quality standards, and on-time delivery.

The candidate will collaborate with Sales, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain to optimize performance and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in business, operations management, or related field.
• Proven leadership of supervisory/hourly staff.
• Strong problem solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and oversee all aspects of daily plant operations to meet production goals, quality standards and delivery timelines.
• Participate in long-term strategic planning to support company goals.
• Identify problems and implement solutions to maximize operational efficiency.
• Maintain production levels to meet customer demand.
• Develop and enforce plant policies and procedures.
• Ensure employees are trained and competent in their positions.
• Lead plant safety initiatives and investigate injuries with remedies.

Skills

Mechanical Aptitude

Computer Skills

Decision Making

Team Work

Interpersonal Skills

Time Management

Independence

Safety Awareness

Written Communication

Oral Communication

Attention to Detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in business or related field

Job description

The Operations Manager is responsible for the overall well-being of Plant operations, maintaining a broad organizational perspective, and serves as a contributing member of the Executive Leadership Team.

• Manage and oversee all aspects of daily plant operations, ensuring production goals, quality standards, and delivery timelines are consistently met


• Participate in long-term strategic planning to develop initiatives that support the company's overall goals


• Identify potential problems and points of friction, and develop solutions to maximize operational efficiency


• Maintain production levels to meet customer demand


• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures, including guidelines for completing tasks within the plant


• Ensure all employees are properly trained and competent in their positions


• Lead plant safety initiatives; investigate all work-related injuries and provide remedies and recommendations as needed


• Oversee all Plant Supervisors, providing training, mentorship, and performance management as needed


• Lead the employee evaluation process and participate in employee engagement activities as appropriate


• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures, as well as USDA, FSIS, and HACCP regulations


• Manage labor, materials, and equipment resources to control costs while meeting production targets


• Collaborate with Sales, Quality, Maintenance, and Supply Chain teams to align plant operations with broader business objectives


• Prepare and present operational reports and performance metrics to executive leadership


• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities:

• Mechanical Aptitude - Knowledge and previous experience working with processing equipment and machinery, including conveyors and other motorized equipment (forklifts, pallet-jacks)


• Computer and Technical - Skilled in computer usage (including Microsoft suite as well as and comfort in learning Company software


• Judgement and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the appropriate response


• Team Work - Effectively collaborate with coworkers in a team-oriented environment


• Interpersonal Relationships - Establish and maintain constructive and cooperative working relationships with others


• Time Management - Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize tasks/multi-task, managing one's own time and the time of others


• Independence - Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion as assigned by a supervisor


• Safety - Ability to work in a safe manner (including the safe use of chemical solutions, eggs and egg products) as well as effectively participate in the safety process of the Company


• Written Comprehension & Expression - The ability to read and communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand


• Oral Comprehension, Expression & Clarity - The ability to listen, understand and communicate information and ideas audibly so others will understand


• Attention to Detail -Thorough and accurate when performing tasks and following Company processes and procedures

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in business, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field


• Proven ability to lead, mentor, and develop supervisory and hourly staff


• Excellent problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills


• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or Six Sigma principles preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.


• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA, and other federal, state, and local standards.


• Ability to walk, stand, and move throughout the plant floor for extended periods


• Ability to work in varying temperature environments typical of a manufacturing facility


• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE)