The Senior Manager of Operations - Multi-location

San Antonio, TX

The Senior Manager of Operations - Multi-location is responsible for overseeing the production and supply aspects of the organization. This position provides leadership and guidance to plant managers across multiple sites. The role encompasses overall responsibility for Production, Maintenance, Scheduling, Sanitation, and Warehouse Operations, as well as associated responsibilities in Safety, Quality Assurance, Human Resources, and other relevant areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create and execute manufacturing programs to enhance the competitive position and profitability of the operations.
• Supervise day-to-day operations of manufacturing plants, ensuring consistent adherence to safety, quality, cost, efficiency, and people standards.
• Promote and support the development of employees to ensure effective leadership continuity.
• Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, positive engagement, and employee empowerment.
• Drive continuous improvement and lean manufacturing initiatives focusing on on-time delivery, labor productivity, cost reduction, and overall margin improvement.
• Champion a strong safety culture to comply with regulations and reduce injury rates.
• Ensure all locations comply with environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Monitor and report on operating costs in relation to the budget, addressing any significant budget overruns proactively.
• Collaborate with Plant Managers and Human Resources to enhance teamwork, develop leadership skills, and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Identify, track, and enhance key performance indicators within scope.
• Promptly communicate significant challenges or failures to the Vice President of Operations to mitigate risks.
• Lead the development and implementation of strategies to maximize operational effectiveness and partner with other divisions for actionable plans.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, productivity, product quality, customer service, work-life balance, and manufacturing costs.
• Ensure financial results by preparing annual manufacturing budget, analyzing costs for plant improvements, and leading cost improvement initiatives.
• Provide leadership to product planning and materials activities, optimizing inventory levels.
• Support Warehouse and Distribution activities to achieve 100% on-time delivery.
• Indirectly manage Quality Assurance activities, ensuring product integrity and compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices.
• Ensure site compliance with regulatory agencies.
• Verify adherence to GMPs and Safety standards, taking appropriate action for any deficiencies.
• Provide strategic guidance through leadership of strategic planning sessions.
• Participate in new product development and planning, assessing cost and feasibility.
• Perform all other assigned duties.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Food Science, or related field.
• Minimum of 10 years' experience in a production facility, with at least 5 years in leadership roles.
• Experience in food baking manufacturing and multi-site leadership is preferred.
• Experience with SAP is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Proficient in the use of computers and related software.
• Familiarity with and ability to implement/maintain SQF Level III Certification in a manufacturing environment.
• Excellent technical knowledge of equipment, products, and processes within baking operations.
• Strong background in HACCP, safety, GMPs, and AIB.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to build relationships across departments.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills and coaching abilities.
• Ability to collaborate with diverse groups of associates and customers at all levels.
• Ability to work with multiple departments, including Cost Accounting, Purchasing, R & D, Supply Chain, HR, EH&S, Quality Assurance, and Information Services.