Operations Manager - 1st Shift

The Swan Food Company; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 75,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Total Rewards package

Job summary

CJ Schwan’s is seeking an experienced Operations Manager (1st shift) to lead production teams, improve line performance, and reduce losses at our new Sioux Falls facility. You will coach supervisors, manage projects, and partner with cross-functional leaders to optimize resources and costs.

Ideal candidates have a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 5+ years in operations or leadership, with a proven ability to drive continuous improvement, motivate teams, and communicate effectively with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience required.
• 5+ years of operations or leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of customer needs and production requirements.
• Proven track record leading change and driving continuous improvement.
• Excellent motivator and communicator with strong organization and negotiation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead production systems and supervisors to deliver safe, reliable, high quality execution every day.
• Drive loss elimination, OPEX initiatives, and data driven problem solving to improve line performance.
• Build strong, capable team’s members through hands on daily coaching, clear communication, and development of operator skills.
• Partner with plant leadership and cross functional teams to align priorities, manage projects, and optimize resources.
• Ensure accurate operational data, sound cost management, and effective scheduling to support consistent results.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Change management

Problem solving

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

AtCJ Schwan’s, we don’t just make food — we help create moments that matter. From kids devouring pizza after soccer practice, to students laughing over dumplings in a cafeteria, to families enjoying pie during the holidays, our team members play an important role in bringing those everyday moments to life. Our portfolio includes iconic pizzas, global flavors and timeless desserts from brands likeRed Baron®, bibigo®, Tony’s®, Big Daddy’s®, Freschetta®, Pagoda®, Edwards® and Mrs. Smith’s®. Enjoyed in homes, schools, restaurants and just about everywhere people shop and eat, our products reflect a commitment to quality, innovation and the power of food to bring people together.

Our brand-new, 360,000-square-foot Asian-style food manufacturing facility in Sioux Falls, SD, is taking shape — and we’re ramping up hiring for key roles. This is your chance to be part of something from the ground up. We’re building a strong, experienced team ready to bring this new site to life and shape its future together.

Join our team as anOperations Manager (1st shift), where you’ll champion reliable production performance, reduce operational losses, and build strong process excellence capabilities within our operations teams.

What You Will Do:

• Lead production systems and supervisors to deliver safe, reliable, high quality execution every day.
• Drive loss elimination, OPEX initiatives, and data driven problem solving to improve line performance.
• Build strong, capable team’s members through hands on daily coaching, clear communication, and development of operator skills.
• Partner with plant leadership and cross functional teams to align priorities, manage projects, and optimize resources.
• Ensure accurate operational data, sound cost management, and effective scheduling to support consistent results.

What We Look For:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years of relevant operations or leadership experience.
• Strong understanding of customer needs and production requirements.
• Proven success leading change and driving continuous improvement.
• Exceptional motivator and communicator with strong organization and negotiation skills.

What We Offer:

The base salary range for this position is $75,000 to $125,000 annually, with eligibility for a 15% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance. The range reflects factors such as experience, skills, education, certifications, and location, and starting salary may fall anywhere within the stated range.
Beyond base salary, we offer a competitive Total Rewards package designed to support your overall well-being, including comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings

CJ Schwan’s and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity Employers. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, national origin, or any other protected characteristic. We provide reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities or sincerely held religious beliefs. For accommodation requests or assistance with the application, please email [e-mail].