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The role of Department Manager in Indianapolis, IN involves taking accountability for the department's performance in production, safety, and quality in order to meet operating objectives. The primary focus is on driving efficiency and profitability while maximizing return on assets. This position requires effective management of technologies, as well as the development and training of all team members.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assume full responsibility for the department's manufacturing P&L.

• Ensure successful engineering of all lines and processes, ensuring a strong understanding and application of the theory of operation. Verify that equipment is properly maintained and compliant with engineering standards to deliver safe, high-quality products at optimal cost.
• Provide operational input during new product development to support product innovation.

• Develop the team to handle day-to-day operational issues and achieve short-term and long-term performance goals. Maintain high team morale and commitment to delivering exceptional results.
• Lead a team of 80 to 100 hourly manufacturing associates with varying levels of experience and education.
• Utilize automation to streamline processes, minimize human error, and reduce overall production costs.
• Prioritize manufacturing processes to ensure product quality, line throughput, and asset care.
• Coach team members to utilize analytical methods for problem-solving on the production floor. Emphasize data-driven decision-making.
• Maintain a company culture that is friendly, competent, and available.
• Determine staffing needs, conduct interviews, hire and train new employees, or oversee these processes. Develop a strong talent bench.
• Foster an environment of continuous improvement that exceeds the company's expectations.
• Establish clear performance and behavioral expectations for all employees and provide feedback on results.
• Lead the identification and elimination of losses to improve safety, quality, costs, inventory, and time.
• Achieve all productivity, quality, cost, delivery, safety, and motivation key performance indicator objectives.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Physical abilities required include climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and performing repetitive motions.
• Must have visual acuity for documenting company records.
• Must be able to lift weights up to 40 pounds.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in operations leadership and/or engineering roles.
• Strong technical background in high-speed processing systems, controls, and automation.
• Experience working in a food-grade environment (FDA, GMP's, HACCP) is highly preferred.
• Experience in managing and improving manufacturing costs and productivity programs.
• Preferably holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical or chemical engineering.
• An MBA or related graduate degree would be a plus.
• Must possess problem-solving skills, process improvement knowledge, and strategic thinking abilities.
• Experience managing teams and building collaborative cross-functional relationships is required.