Operations Manager

Shearer's Foods; West Carrollton (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Shearer's Foods is seeking an Operations Manager for the Dayton plant to lead day-to-day production, ensuring safe, efficient manufacturing of snacks. The role emphasizes continuous improvement, safety culture, and team leadership.

You will guide cross-functional teams, develop talent, and drive performance in a fast-paced environment while upholding the company’s values and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Four-year degree in related field (food science, operations management, engineering) or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of experience in production management or supervision in food processing.
• Significant experience with lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficient computer skills with ability to learn new systems quickly.
• Bilingual in Spanish would be a plus.
• Ability to work a varied schedule.

Responsibilities

• Leads day-to-day manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production of high-quality products.
• Drives operational excellence initiatives and fosters a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
• Provides leadership to production teams and cross-functional collaboration to meet business objectives.
• Develops talent and supports a high-performance manufacturing environment.
• Promotes teamwork, clear communication at all levels, and visible leadership.
• Encourages employee engagement and accountability across shifts and functions.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Production management

Change leadership

Team leadership

Education

Four-year degree in related field

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.

Responsibilities

Operations Manager- Dayton

Your seat at the Table

The Operations Manager at the Dayton plant 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.
• Inspires teams to achieve challenging goals and celebrate successes.
• 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.
• Bilingual in Spanish would be a plus
• 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.