Operations Manager

The Judge Group; Traverse City (MI); On-site; USD 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Judge Group seeks an Operations Manager for a food or beverage manufacturing environment in Traverse City, MI. This role leads production, warehousing, inventory, and logistics to ensure cost-effective, high-quality operations.

The ideal candidate has hands-on leadership, experience in manufacturing operations, team development, and driving continuous improvement, with a strong focus on safety and regulatory compliance. Relocation assistance is provided.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline preferred.
• Five to eight years of food or beverage manufacturing, production, or operations experience preferred.
• Minimum of three years of management or supervisory experience.
• Experience coordinating external manufacturing, co-packing, or outsourced operations preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead production, warehousing, inventory management, and logistics in a manufacturing environment.
• Develop and manage departmental budgets, monitor financial performance, and use reporting tools.
• Promote a workplace culture aligned with organizational mission, vision, and values.
• Oversee staffing, resource allocation, quality standards, production scheduling, and inventory management.
• Build, develop, and motivate high-performing teams through effective leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Manufacturing knowledge

Communication

Negotiation

Problem solving

ERP systems familiarity

MS Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or related discipline

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Title: Operations Manager - Food or Beverage manufacturing experience needed!

Location: Traverse City, MI *Relocation assistance provided*

Salary: $80,000 to $95,000 + Great benefits package

Job Type: Direct Hire, Full Time*Must be US citizen or green card holder*

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading production, warehousing, inventory management, and logistics functions within a manufacturing environment. This leadership role ensures efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality operations across multiple departments, including production, warehousing, packaging, inventory control, and order fulfillment.

The position is accountable for operational planning, team leadership, process improvement, regulatory compliance, and resource management while supporting organizational growth and customer satisfaction. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on leader with experience managing manufacturing operations, developing teams, and driving continuous improvement initiatives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, monitor financial performance, and utilize reporting tools to identify trends, control costs, and support operational decision-making.
• Promote and maintain a workplace culture aligned with organizational mission, vision, and values.
• Lead daily operations across manufacturing, warehousing, inventory control, packaging, and order fulfillment activities.
• Oversee staffing, resource allocation, quality standards, production scheduling, and inventory management for raw materials, work-in-process inventory, and finished goods.
• Provide hands‑on support to operational teams as needed to ensure production goals are achieved.
• Coordinate production planning activities and manage relationships with external manufacturing and service partners.
• Lead implementation and adoption of enterprise systems and operational process improvements using effective change‑management practices.
• Partner with administrative and accounting teams to establish inventory controls and conduct periodic inventory audits and reconciliations.
• Build, develop, and motivate high‑performing teams through effective leadership, goal setting, coaching, and accountability.
• Manage production volume targets, operating costs, maintenance activities, waste reduction initiatives, employee training programs, safety programs, and standard operating procedures.
• Develop and implement operational processes that support consistent product availability and customer demand requirements.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) and drive operational excellence through performance management and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Oversee inventory planning, purchasing, storage, and replenishment processes to maintain adequate inventory levels and prevent shortages.
• Identify, assess, and mitigate operational and supply chain risks.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to improve organizational performance and support employee growth and development.
• Ensure facilities maintain appropriate standards for safety, functionality, cleanliness, maintenance, and security.
• Supervise operational personnel directly and indirectly.
• Conduct employee performance evaluations and maintain personnel documentation.
• Support recruiting, hiring, onboarding, and workforce planning activities.
• Regularly communicate operational performance, opportunities, and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Perform other duties as assigned based on business needs and operational priorities.

Qualifications

To perform this position successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions satisfactorily.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline preferred.
• Five to eight years of food or beverage manufacturing, production, or operations experience preferred.
• Minimum of three years of management or supervisory experience.
• Experience coordinating external manufacturing, co‑packing, or outsourced operations preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated leadership and team development capabilities.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing, warehouse, supply chain, and inventory management principles.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced and evolving environment.
• Experience implementing operational systems, technology solutions, and process improvements.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to provide and receive constructive feedback.
• Business‑focused approach with an emphasis on operational efficiency, performance, and continuous improvement.
• High level of initiative, accountability, and ownership.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, planning, delegation, and decision‑making abilities.
• Effective negotiation and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to remain composed and effective under pressure.
• Basic mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting capability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in regulated manufacturing environments, food or beverage.
• Familiarity with applicable federal, state, and local regulatory requirements related to manufacturing, quality, safety, and distribution operations.
• Experience implementing or managing ERP systems and inventory management platforms.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a culture of accountability, engagement, and operational excellence.
• Coach, mentor, and develop employees to maximize individual and team performance.
• Establish clear goals, expectations, and performance standards.
• Promote collaboration, communication, and continuous learning across departments.