Job Description

Judge Direct Placement is seeking an Operations Manager for their food manufacturing client in the Burleson, TX area. This is the second-in-command , responsible for the daily manufacturing operation over 2nd shift. This key role ensures safety, quality, efficiency, and cost objectives are met across all production areas. Reporting directly to the Plant Manager, the Operations Manager assumes full control of the facility in the manager's absence.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Execution

• Direct Operations: Oversee all production shifts, ensuring processes run safely, efficiently, and meet daily volume targets.
• Performance: Drive continuous improvement in key metrics, including Safety Rate, OEE, Yield, and Schedule Attainment .
• Resource Management: Optimize staffing levels, scheduling, and labor utilization to maximize efficiency and control costs.
• Escalation Point: Serve as the final authority for all major operational issues, including equipment failures and supply chain disruptions.

Strategic Support & Succession

• Plant Manager Stand-in: Assume full responsibility for all site operations, decisions, and communications when the Plant Manager is away.
• Strategic Planning: Assist the Plant Manager in developing and executing the annual budget, capital projects, and long-term facility strategy.
• Alignment: Coordinate closely with Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, and HR to ensure full support for production goals.
• Compliance: Champion a culture of accountability and strict adherence to Food Safety (HACCP/SQF), Quality, and OSHA regulations .

Process Improvement & Cost Control

• Continuous Improvement (CI): Identify opportunities to eliminate waste and boost productivity using Lean/Six Sigma principles.
• Financial Control: Monitor conversion costs and operational expenses, implementing immediate actions to meet financial targets.

Qualifications

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in a high-volume manufacturing setting, with 3+ years in a management role.
• Proven experience managing multiple production departments or shifts.
• Deep knowledge of safety, quality systems (SQF, HACCP), and CI methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team-building skills.
• Strong financial and analytical acumen, comfortable driving data-based decision-making.
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field (Preferred, not required).

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