Team Leader - Operations

Blue Diamond Growers; Modesto (CA); On-site; USD 68,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Diamond Growers in California seeks a Team Leader - Operations to guide high-level manufacturing processes, safety, quality, and performance while developing the production team.

You will mentor frontline leaders, manage area metrics, and drive continuous improvement through standard work, 5S, and CAPA, partnering across Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to meet customer needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 5+ years of leadership experience in lieu of degree.
• 5+ years of manufacturing, production, or operations experience, including 3+ years leading frontline teams.
• Experience developing, implementing, and managing operational standards and processes.
• Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement principles and tools.
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to partner cross-functionally and drive performance while maintaining a positive workplace culture.
• Strong communication, coaching, organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to analyze operational data, make sound business decisions, and effectively utilize ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of manufacturing operations to deliver best-in-class performance in safety, quality, service, productivity, and cost while fostering accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement; provide off-shift leadership, escalation support, and acting Operations Manager coverage as needed.
• Establish and execute operational strategies, goals, and performance metrics that drive sustainable results, improve manufacturing efficiencies, and support site and business objectives.
• Develop, coach, and lead frontline leaders and production teams through consistent performance management, talent development, succession planning, and effective employee relations practices.
• Drive a Zero Harm safety culture by ensuring compliance with safety programs, investigating incidents and near misses, implementing corrective actions, and maintaining a strong leadership presence on the production floor.
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Warehouse, Sanitation, and other support teams to resolve operational challenges, improve plant performance, and ensure business continuity.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by implementing standardized work, visual management systems, 5S principles, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive action processes that reduce loss and improve operational effectiveness.
• Oversee staffing, attendance management, production scheduling, material utilization, and operating costs to optimize resources while meeting customer and production requirements.
• Serve as the operational lead for facility improvement projects, equipment installations, startup activities, and process changes, ensuring successful implementation, team readiness, and sustained performance.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, HACCP, regulatory, and company standards by verifying critical process controls, monitoring operational performance, and escalating risks that could impact product integrity or customer service.
• Utilize data, ERP systems, and operational reporting tools to monitor real-time output, downtime, staffing, and key performance indicators, identify trends, communicate priorities, escalating risks early, and lead proactive actions that improve site results.

Skills

Leadership experience

Operations experience

Team leadership

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Work Shift: Multiple Shifts

Pay Type: Salary

Hourly Rate (if applicable): N/A

Targeted Base Salary Range (if applicable): $67,800.00 - $88,200.00

JOB OVERVIEW

The Team Leader - Operations oversees the execution of high-level manufacturing processes and operations that drive safety, quality, service, and performance objectives while continuously developing the skill and abilities of the production team. Exhibits cultivated experience by engaging in high-leverage problem-solving, team building, and team member development. Functions as the primary mentor/coach to frontline team members and Team Leader colleagues. Manages financial metrics for the area of responsibility while executing production measures to improve production line efficiencies. Drives manufacturing engineering and continuous improvement initiatives while also identifying opportunities to reduce and eliminate loss.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead all aspects of manufacturing operations to deliver best-in-class performance in safety, quality, service, productivity, and cost while fostering accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement; provide off-shift leadership, escalation support, and acting Operations Manager coverage as needed.
• Establish and execute operational strategies, goals, and performance metrics that drive sustainable results, improve manufacturing efficiencies, and support site and business objectives.
• Develop, coach, and lead frontline leaders and production teams through consistent performance management, talent development, succession planning, and effective employee relations practices.
• Drive a Zero Harm safety culture by ensuring compliance with safety programs, investigating incidents and near misses, implementing corrective actions, and maintaining a strong leadership presence on the production floor.
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Warehouse, Sanitation, and other support teams to resolve operational challenges, improve plant performance, and ensure business continuity.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives by implementing standardized work, visual management systems, 5S principles, root cause analysis, and corrective and preventive action processes that reduce loss and improve operational effectiveness.
• Oversee staffing, attendance management, production scheduling, material utilization, and operating costs to optimize resources while meeting customer and production requirements.
• Serve as the operational lead for facility improvement projects, equipment installations, startup activities, and process changes, ensuring successful implementation, team readiness, and sustained performance.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, HACCP, regulatory, and company standards by verifying critical process controls, monitoring operational performance, and escalating risks that could impact product integrity or customer service.
• Utilize data, ERP systems, and operational reporting tools to monitor real-time output, downtime, staffing, and key performance indicators, identify trends, communicate priorities, escalating risks early, and lead proactive actions that improve site results.

WHAT YOU NEED

*Minimum qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or 5+ years of leadership experience in lieu of degree.
• 5+ years of manufacturing, production, or operations experience, including 3+ years leading frontline teams.
• Experience developing, implementing, and managing operational standards and processes.
• Working knowledge of Continuous Improvement principles and tools.
• Experience with root cause analysis and corrective/preventive action (CAPA) processes in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to partner cross-functionally and drive performance while maintaining a positive workplace culture.
• Strong communication, coaching, organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to analyze operational data, make sound business decisions, and effectively utilize ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is a standard manufacturing environment with exposure to noise, dust, hazardous materials, and heavy machinery in varying work and weather conditions. You may be required to occasionally climb stairs and/or ladders.

WHY BLUE DIAMOND

In addition to working at the world's largest, state-of-the-art almond manufacturer, we offer a safe and collaborative team environment, with numerous opportunities for free training and career advancement. Check out the BDG Benefits, Health & Wellness Guide HERE.

Blue Diamond Growers (BDG) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. BDG provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, color, age, religion, protected veteran or disability status, or genetic information. BDG also complies with all provisions of the U.S. Government's Executive Order 11246 dated September 24, 1965 and the rules, regulations and relevant orders of the Secretary of Labor.