Operations Team Leader

The Operations Team Leader is the frontline driver of technical performance and team engagement. This position is responsible for managing frontline employees and daily production, as well as leading the execution of critical operational programs, including Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Operational Excellence (OPEX) initiatives, that improve safety, quality, service, and cost. By closely connecting with employees, the Operations Team Leader builds engagement, fosters a culture of continuous improvement to maximize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and optimize yield variances, and ensures that key performance indicators and daily performance goals are consistently achieved. The role is accountable for delivering strong business results and data-driven insights while sustaining positive employee relations, productive labor relations, ongoing team development along defined career pathways.​​​​​​​​​​​​, and ensures that the area’s technical assets and people operate at peak efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Direct and coordinate the activities of Technicians engaged in production, responsible for planning and establishing work schedules, assignments, and production sequences to ensure all production goals and demands are met

  
  

• Drive operational excellence (OPEX) and continuous improvement individually and among the team, adhere to all EHS, Quality, and Operational Efficiency standards, maintain KPIs, and lead in all OPEX initiatives and initiatives to optimize plant performance

  
  

• Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) and prepare Plant Performance Reports regarding inventory loss/gain and formula or yield variances, and identify and implement process improvements

  
  

• Leads the Autonomous Maintenance (AM) program on the floor, maintaining action plans and ensuring tools are used correctly to drive program step progress and eliminate technical losses.

  
  

• Confer with other supervisors and facility leaders to coordinate operations and activities within or between departments to ensure seamless workflow

  
  

• Provides ongoing, real-time coaching and feedback to Technicians to build their technical competencies and self-sufficiency

  
  

• Coordinate technical training to ensure team members have the necessary skills and competencies to meet the business needs, provide ongoing coaching and feedback, and timely resolution of labor concerns

  
  

• Ensure strict adherence to EHS standards, Quality Assurance, Food Safety, and Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), lead incident investigations and support corrective action plans, and provide direction for safety and quality issues

  
  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree (Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Business related field preferred)

  
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years supervisory experience in a manufacturing environment

  
  

• Strong proficiency in SAP systems and FP&R Standards

  
  

• Proficiency with Google Suite applications

  
  

• Lean Six Sigma certification

  
  

• 1+ year of working knowledge of production and process equipment, preferably in a processing industry such as food, chemicals or pharmaceuticals 

  
  

• Ability to manage production activities, resource allocation, shift coordination, and schedule management to meet production goals

  
  

• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Quality Assurance, Food Safety initiatives, safety policies, and environmental health standards

  
  

• Ability to communicate ideas clearly, listen to others, and promote efficient information flow

  
  

• Ability to manage conflict, seeking mutually beneficial solutions, and effectively handling labor relations issues

  
  

• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners, communicate effectively with leadership, and facilitate the transfer of best practices

  
  

• Demonstrate leadership values inherently aligned with our company’s Leadership Principles

  
  

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, including bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, working in confined spaces and hazardous conditions, and lifting up to 50 lbs.

  
  

• Ability to wear all required PPE and fall protection equipment.

  
  

• Ability to work irregular shifts, including nights, weekends, holidays, and be on call during off hours.