ABOUT THE ROLE Our client is seeking an experienced Plant Operations Manager to oversee and direct all aspects of production activities within a food manufacturing facility. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring maximum operating efficiency, product quality, and adherence to safety, quality, and reliability standards. The Plant Operations Manager will develop and mentor operations resource leaders and department managers, implement and control production budgets, and drive continuous improvement initiatives aligned with company values and high-performance work system principles. The role requires maintaining awareness of industry trends, supporting plant safety processes, optimizing department structures, and fostering effective communication across plant leadership and supervisory staff. The ideal candidate will embody the company’s core values of respect, honesty, integrity, diversity, inclusion, and safety, and will be accountable to the Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles. Experience in food manufacturing management and familiarity with lean manufacturing practices are highly desirable. WHAT YOU'LL DO Supervise and control all planning, coordination, and direction of production activities to ensure maximum efficiency and product quality Develop and mentor operations resource leaders and department managers to improve plant performance and employee engagement Maintain and communicate awareness of industry trends, equipment developments, and customer needs Support and participate in plant safety processes, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards Prepare, implement, and control production budgets and operating plans Apply analysis and knowledge of plant operations to develop and maintain department structures that meet production objectives Advance recommendations on policies, procedures, techniques, and facilities to optimize plant operations Communicate and coordinate responsibilities with plant leadership and supervisory staff, including maintenance, sanitation, quality control, and the plant office Maintain close contact with sales and marketing to align production with distribution needs and stay abreast of activities that may affect production Develop and implement methods to enable all employees to achieve plant production goals Develop department managers and associates to the fullest extent of their ability, while maintaining positive engagement Ensure adherence to Kroger Manufacturing Food Safety and Quality Principles and follow established programs, policies, and practices to produce safe, quality foods that meet company and regulatory requirements Supervise and coach direct reports, conduct performance reviews, and provide feedback Ensure ability to work around ingredients and finished products containing food allergens Must be able to perform the essential job functions of this position with or without reasonable accommodation WHAT YOU BRING 7+ years of experience in manufacturing operations 5+ years in a leadership position Functional knowledge of Microsoft Office Essential math skills Highly organized and systematic approach Ability to comprehend complex oral and written instructions Strong oral and written communication skills Strong attention to detail, with a high degree of accuracy and precision Thorough knowledge of plant operations and procedures Previous experience as superintendent or other mid-level management position in food manufacturing plant (desired) Working knowledge of Total Process Control (TPC) or lean manufacturing practices (desired) ABOUT EIGHT ELEVEN: At Eight Eleven, our business is people. Relationships are at the center of what we do. A successful partnership is only as strong as the relationship built. We’re your trusted partner for IT hiring, recruiting and staffing needs. For over 16 years, Eight Eleven has established and maintained relationships that are designed to meet your IT staffing needs. Whether it’s contract, contract-to-hire, or permanent placement work, we customize our search based upon your company's unique initiatives, culture and technologies. With our national team of recruiters placed at 21 major hubs around the nation, Eight Eleven finds the people best-suited for your business. When you work with us, we work with you. That’s the Eight Eleven promise. Eight Eleven Group provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, disability, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.
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