Operations Manager

Kellanova; Zanesville (OH); On-site; USD 130,000 - 178,000; Full time

Job summary

Kellanova's MorningStar Farms plant in Zanesville, OH seeks a Plant Operations Manager to lead night shift operations, drive safety and quality, and mentor a diverse team.

You will oversee production, people, and performance; manage budgeting, lean initiatives, and development of leaders using the Kellanova Work System, ensuring a culture of safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Managerial experience in a manufacturing setting.
• Experience applying lean principles in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to lead and motivate others.
• Strong problem solving, negotiating, and decision‑making skills.
• Collaborative work style, able to partner with leaders of other functional areas.

Responsibilities

• Budgeting and Planning – Participate in the business planning and budgeting process by developing short and long-term cost strategies.
• Culture Ownership – People safety is our top priority here, you’re responsible for owning the department culture that includes safety, quality, and the overall organization.
• Learning and Development – Help our team grow and learn as you coach and develop leaders on the Kellanova Work System, look at employee performance development, recognition, compatibility, and employee progression and readiness.
• Driving Metrics – Measure and positively impact production, delivery, quality, cost, safety, and morale through scorecards.

Skills

Lean principles

Leadership

Problem solving

Negotiation

Decision making

Collaborative work style

Education

High School diploma or GED

Job description

We are seeking a Plant Operations Manager in our Zanesville, OH Morning Star Farms plant. As the Plant Operations Manager, you will execute projects while keeping in mind our overall process including safety and sanitation. You’re not just a manager; you’re a mentor. Inspiring, guiding, and elevating our people – after all, our people are our greatest advantage. This manager will oversee the night shift.

In Zanesville you will be a culture owner - you’ll infuse safety, quality, and organization into our every day. As part of our plant operations team, you’ll navigate change, build trust, and secure buy-in. You are not only managing processes, but you will also manage people, production, quality and performance.

A Taste Of What You’ll Be Doing

• Budgeting and Planning – Participate in the business planning and budgeting process by developing short and long-term cost strategies.
• Culture Ownership – People safety is our top priority here, you’re responsible for owning the department culture that includes safety, quality, and the overall organization.
• Learning and Development – Help our team grow and learn as you coach and develop leaders on the Kellanova Work System, look at employee performance development, recognition, compatibility, and employee progression and readiness.
• Driving Metrics – Measure and positively impact production, delivery, quality, cost, safety, and morale through scorecards.

We’re Looking For Someone With

• High School diploma or GED
• Managerial experience in a manufacturing setting
• Experience with leading and applying lean principles in a manufacturing environment
• Demonstrated ability to lead and motivate others
• Strong problem solving, negotiating, and decision‑making skills with the proven ability to manage complex situations
• Collaborative work style, able to partner with leaders of other functional areas and business partners to drive overall performance

Compensation

The annual salary range is $129,800-$178,420 which is based on various factors such as location, experience and skill. Discretionary bonuses based on company and individual performance are also available.

Benefits

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, accidental death & dismemberment insurance, employee assistance program, short‑term disability coverage, and long‑term disability insurance. Also, voluntary income protection benefits such as supplemental life, accident as well as a 401(k) plan with company contributions is available. Part‑time employees may have access to benefits on a pro‑rated basis. See KellanovaTotalHealth.com for more information.

All applicants must have permanent legal authorization to work in the United States. Kellanova does not sponsor employment visas for this role.

Get to Know Us

We’ve always been driven to unleash the full potential of our differentiated brands and our passionate people. Our iconic, world‑class brands at Kellanova include Pringles, Cheez‑It, Pop‑Tarts, MorningStar Farms, Special K, Krave, Zucaritas, Tresor, Crunchy Nut, among others.

Mars, Incorporated has acquired Kellanova in a transaction that brings together iconic brands, storied legacies and outstanding capabilities with a view to shape the future of snacking. You can learn more here, and our hiring teams will be happy to discuss further questions if your application advances in the hiring process.

Kellanova is an Equal Opportunity Employer that strives to provide an inclusive work environment, a seat for everyone at the table, and embraces the diverse talent of its people. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. For more information regarding our efforts to advance Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, please visit our website here.