Senior Operations Manager

Vaco by Highspring; Swedesboro (NJ); On-site; USD 140,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Vaco by Highspring is seeking a Senior Operations Manager in Swedesboro, NJ to supervise all aspects of operations at a high-volume food manufacturing facility. Responsibilities include managing safety, quality, and efficiency in a 24/7 environment. The ideal candidate brings 5-7 years of experience in GMP manufacturing and proven leadership skills. A bachelor's degree is preferred. The role requires a hands-on, results-driven leader dedicated to team performance and regulatory compliance. A competitive salary, plus a bonus, is offered.

Qualifications

• 5-7+ years of experience in GMP-regulated manufacturing environments.
• 3+ years of leadership experience in production management.
• Proven experience managing operations in a 24/7 manufacturing environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead bakery manufacturing operations across a 24/7 production environment.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Ensure compliance with GMPs and food safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team Building

Data Analysis

Continuous Improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

ERP systems (SAP preferred)

Job description

Client: Manufacturing (Food)

Title: Senior Operations Manager

Salary: $140,000-$160,000 + Bonus

Location: South Jersey, around Gloucester County

Work Schedule: Fully onsite Monday-Friday 1st shift with flexibility, weekend on call 1-2 months.

Industry Requirement: Must come from food, pharma or CPG industries.

Position Overview

A leading food manufacturing organization is seeking a Senior Manager, Production to oversee all aspects of daily operations at a high-volume, 24/7 production facility. This role is responsible for driving safety, quality, efficiency, and team performance while ensuring alignment with long-term operational and business goals. The ideal candidate is a hands‑on, results‑driven leader with experience in regulated manufacturing environments and a strong track record of building and developing high‑performing teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day bakery manufacturing operations across a 24/7 production environment
• Ensure consistent performance in safety, food quality, throughput, and waste reduction
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with business objectives
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on efficiency, line performance, and cost reduction
• Oversee labor planning, scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation
• Build, coach, and develop production teams through performance management and engagement practices
• Ensure compliance with GMPs, food safety standards, and regulatory requirements
• Maintain audit‑ready facility conditions at all times
• Support capital projects, equipment upgrades, and process improvement initiatives
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams including maintenance, quality, supply chain, and engineering

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• 5-7+ years of experience in food, beverage, pharmaceutical, or other GMP-regulated manufacturing environments
• 3+ years of leadership experience in a plant or production management role
• Proven experience managing operations in a 24/7 manufacturing environment
• Strong knowledge of safety, quality systems, and production KPIs
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and ERP systems (SAP preferred)
• Strong leadership, communication, and team‑building skills
• Ability to analyze data, prepare reports, and present to leadership

Preferred Qualifications

• Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement certification
• Experience leading capital projects or equipment installations
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus

Equal Opportunity Notice

Highspring LLC (d/b/a Vaco by Highspring) and its parents, affiliates, and subsidiaries ("we," "our," or "Vaco by Highspring") are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race (including but not limited to traits historically associated with race such as hair texture and hair style), color, sex (includes pregnancy or related conditions), religion or creed, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, status as a veteran, union membership, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, political affiliation, or any other protected characteristics as required by applicable law. The company is also committed to ensuring that persons who need them are provided with reasonable accommodations; if an accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact [e-mail].