Plant Operations Coordinator

Crown Bakeries; Philadelphia (Philadelphia County); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Responsibilities include managing the commercialization playbook, trial coordination, data integrity in Access databases, inventory readiness, and sample control. Strong ERP and Lean/Six Sigma knowledge preferred for a cross-functional, fast-paced plant setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or related technical field.
• Project management experience in manufacturing.
• Advanced Excel and ERP experience.
• Experience updating Access databases.
• Knowledge of TPM, Lean, or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Strong data interpretation and cross-functional communication.

Responsibilities

• NPD & Commercialization Ownership: own commercialization checklist and playbook for new items.
• Trial Management: participate in pre/post-trial meetings coordinating between R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Data Integrity: create/update products and gather technical specifications from R&D and Quality.
• Inventory Readiness: ensure inventory levels and raw materials are set before launch.
• Sample Control: manage sample schedule and storage during first commercialization runs.
• Technical Setup: ensure BOMs are approved by plant manager.
• Process Documentation: maintain standards for R&D/FSQA photos and processes.
• Plant Liaison: act as daily contact between Sales and Operations for specs and inquiries.
• Safety & Lean Initiatives: support safety tasks and cost-saving initiatives.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Teamwork

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Independent work

Education

Bachelor's degree in accounting/finance/engineering/business management

Tools

Sage X3

Access Database

Excel

Job description

Job Summary

The Plant Operations Coordinator serves as the central engine for New Product Development (NPD) and operational excellence within the facility. This role is responsible for bridging the gap between front-end sales/R&D and back-end manufacturing to include insuring that each new product in the plant has been costed, documented, and ready for a first production run while simultaneously driving new initiatives and cost-saving projects across departments at the plant.

Responsibilities

NPD & Commercialization Ownership

• The Launch Playbook: Through commercialization manager will own the completion of the commercialization checklist for new items; work with all departments to prepare and communicate the "playbook" (FG specs, formulas, batch sheets, packaging configurations, and pallet patterns) to all departments before the first run.
• Trial Management: participate in pre-trial and post-trial meetings to identify opportunities and risks. Through the commercialization manager will act as the primary conduit at the bakery between R&D, Quality, and Supply Chain.
• Data Integrity: Create new products and update standards within the Access Database. Manage the gathering of all technical specifications from R&D and Quality.
• Inventory Readiness: Collaborate with the Plant Manager and Materials Manager to ensure inventory levels and raw materials are set prior to launch.
• Sample Control: Act as conduit between sales and operations on the sample schedule and ensure proper collection/storage of samples during the beginning, middle, and end of the first commercialization runs.

Operational Administration & Process Documentation

• Technical Setup: Ensure all Bill of Materials (BOMs) are approved by plant manager
• Standardization: Ensure that R&D and FSQA photo standards are in place and approved by all parties
• Process Improvement: maintain an action item list post launch to assure all metrics used in the standard are met or exceeded
• Reporting: Own daily and weekly reporting as driven by the Plant Manager, focusing on safety, quality, and productivity metrics.

Plant Liaison & Communication

• The Conduit: Act as the daily point of contact between Sales and Operations for specification inquiries, sample questions, and demand management.
• Staff Coordination: Scribe for weekly staff meetings, distribute action items, and follow up with department heads (Engineering, Sanitation, Quality, Supply Chain) to ensure task completion.
• Efficiency: Streamline internal plant communication and limit unnecessary email traffic by consolidating daily shift reporting.

Safety, Cost Savings & Lean Initiatives

• Safety Coordination: Work with teams to support the Safety Coordinator or Plant Safety Manager with initiatives and compliance tasks at the facility level.
• Cost Optimization: Facilitate plant-level cost-saving initiatives and maintain master data (pan configurations, pieces per minute, standard headcounts).
• Inventory Oversight: Monitor Min/Max levels and aged Finished Goods to prevent waste and optimize cash flow.

Qualifications And Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, engineering, business management or a related technical field. Relevant work experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.
• Proven experience in Project Management within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and ERP systems (Sage X3 experience is a plus).
• Experience managing and updating Access Databases.
• Working knowledge of TPM, Lean Manufacturing, or Six Sigma methodologies.
• Exceptional ability to distill complex technical data into actionable tasks for diverse teams.
• Analytical skills focused on problem solving and decision making.
• Problem solving skills using tools such as Root Cause Analysis
• ERP system experience, Sage X3 experience a plus
• Basic mathematical and statistical skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Proven track record in a high-volume, multi-line manufacturing environment.
• Ability to communicate both professionally and effectively at all levels of the organization.

Work Environment

This job operates in both a production plant and office environment. The employee is occasionally exposed to facility elements such as noise, dust, fumes, and odors. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets.

EEO Statement

Crown Bakeries is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment. It is our policy to recruit, hire, train and promote individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. We prohibit any such discrimination or harassment in our workplace and strive to foster a diverse and inclusive workforce. This EEO policy applies to all aspects of employment, including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, compensation, benefits and other terms and conditions of employment.