Team Leader - Operations

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

Job summary

Blue Diamond Growers is seeking a Team Leader – Operations to oversee high-level manufacturing processes, drive safety, quality, service, and performance, and mentor frontline production teams. The role emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement, and strong leadership across shifts.

You will manage production metrics, lead operational strategies, and coordinate with Quality, Maintenance, and Engineering to sustain peak plant performance.

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 CAPA in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven ability to partner cross-functionally and drive performance.
• Strong communication, coaching, organization, prioritization, and time management skills.
• Ability to analyze operational data, make sound business decisions, and utilize ERP systems and Microsoft Office.

Responsibilities

• Lead all aspects of manufacturing operations to deliver top performance in safety, quality, service, productivity, and cost.
• Establish and execute operational strategies, goals, and performance metrics.
• Develop, coach, and lead frontline leaders and production teams through performance management and talent development.
• Drive a Zero Harm safety culture by ensuring compliance with safety programs and investigating incidents.
• Partner with Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Warehouse, and others to resolve challenges and ensure continuity.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives with standardized work, 5S, root cause analysis, and CAPA.

Skills

Leadership experience

Manufacturing experience

Continuous Improvement

CAPA processes

ERP systems

Microsoft Office

Strong communication

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree or 5+ years leadership in lieu of 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 . Grow your career. Partner with us. We Are the Almond People!

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.

About Blue Diamond

In 1910 a cooperative of 230 California almond growers formed with the following core values: To build strong relationships among growers and with their customers; To communicate directly and honestly; and To work as a team to realize the best return on their investment. More than a century later, Blue Diamond Growers still adheres to these values at every level of our operation. Our employees are strongly committed to the brand and to each other - the word "family" is often used to describe our culture. Today, Blue Diamond Growers represents more than 3,000 almond growers in California - the state that provides over 80% of the world's supply. We are one of the most recognized food brands in the world, with annual sales exceeding $1billion. We believe in transparency and honest communication. Our work style is team-based, working together to innovate, process, and distribute the best almond products to the world. After more than 100 years, our core values of integrity, partnership, innovation and quality remain strong. Our commitment to excellence has driven Blue Diamond's unprecedented growth, innovation, high quality, and value. You'll find these values at work throughout our company. We strive for a diverse workforce, always aiming for greater levels of inclusion.

In addition to a robust benefits package, we offer an employee wellness and fitness program, in which a majority of our workforce currently participates.