Operations Manager

Land O'Lakes; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 108,000 - 162,000; Full time

Job summary

Land O’Lakes, Inc. in Richmond, VA, seeks an Operations Manager to lead a production team of three supervisors, one warehouse supervisor and 40 hourly associates, with a focus on safety culture, engagement and consistent performance across shifts.

The role emphasizes mentoring, cross-functional collaboration with Plant Steering Team, staffing, project leadership, and strong customer relations with internal and external partners. Expect travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree plus a minimum of 2+ years exempt level people leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• High School Diploma or GED plus a minimum of 5+ years exempt level people leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Must have strong leadership skills and strategic planning skills.
• Must be respected by peers, co-workers, vendors, and internal and external customers.
• Requires proven project management capabilities and ability to diagnose operational inefficiencies.

Responsibilities

• Mentor, coach and train team members to develop effective and efficient teams.
• Ensure appropriate, effective communication within teams, across teams and to management as well as support areas.
• Develop flexible, multi-skilled team members to enable movement of people as needed to accomplish work.
• Collaborate with Plant Steering Team to develop and implement short and long term strategies, including project leadership, staffing and employee engagement.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Customer relations

Project management

Microsoft Office

Communication

Multitasking

Decision making

Safety focus

Travel readiness

Team coaching

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a related field

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

N/A

Job description

Operations Manager

This role is part of our Purina Animal Nutrition business helping our network of local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers serve producers, and animal owners throughout the United States. Through industry -leading R&D and committed partnerships, we innovate the nutrition products and practices that unlock the full potential of every animal for a healthier, more productive life.

The Land O’Lakes Supply Chain & Operations division provides strategic leadership across the company’s many business units. The team plays a significant role in fueling revenue growth and profitability through operational excellence, quality, process improvement and innovation. By partnering closely with Finance, Marketing and Human Resources, the team delivers value to Land O’Lakes business units, members and customers.

Position Purpose:

• Mentor, coach and train team members to develop effective and efficient teams.
• Ensure appropriate, effective communication within teams, across teams and to management as well as support areas.
• Develop flexible, multi-skilled team members to enable movement of people as needed to accomplish work.
• Collaborate with Plant Steering Team to develop and implement short and long term strategies, including project leadership, staffing and employee engagement.

This role is responsible for leading a production team comprised of three production supervisors, one warehouse supervisor, and 40 hourly associates with the goal of creating a strong safety culture, positive employee relations & engagement and consistency throughout each of the teams.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field plus a minimum of 2+ years exempt level people leadership experience in a manufacturing environment OR High School Diploma or GED required plus a minimum of 5+ years exempt level people leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Must have strong leadership skills and strategic planning skills.
• Must be respected by peers, co-workers, vendors, and internal and external customers.
• Must have strong customer relations skills in working with both internal and external customers.
• Requires proven and demonstrated project management capabilities and the ability to diagnose operational inefficiencies.
• Assignments will be broad in nature and require originality and ability to navigate complex problems and utilize others to find resolution.

Required Competencies/Skills:

• Strong Microsoft Office suite and written communication skills
• Ability to communicate with a variety of people & personalities
• Must be able to make quick decisions on the spot & support those decisions to your peers, employees, and plant leadership
• Ability to consistently meet deadlines
• Ability to manage multiple projects & multi-task with ease
• Must be detail oriented and have excellent follow through
• Results orientation with track record of successful achievements
• Active listening skills is a must
• Ability to influence a positive employee environment
• Ability to drive safety & safe behaviors while maintaining the ultimate goal of preventing all injuries
• Ability to drive efficiencies and performance
• Must have flexible schedule and availability
• Must be able to travel and meet with customers or dealers
• Must be able to influence change & lead those who oppose change

Salary Range: $107,680 - $161, 520

In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges

About Land O’Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

We provide a broad portfolio of benefits to keep you and your family at your best. Land O’Lakes is Where Your Future Takes Root.

Land O’Lakes and our global entities support diversity in employment practices.

If you need to submit a reasonable accommodation request to complete the employment application process, please call the HR Solution Center at 844-LOL-HR4U (844-565-4748) M-F 8:00am-4:30pm CT.