Operations Manager - Military veterans preferred

Operations Manager

US-TX-Lampasas

Job ID: 2025-8372
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Lampasas Plant

Overview

Responsible for delivering performance targets in Safety, Quality, Cost, and Reliability for all production lines. Lead and develop the Line Supervisors/Team Managers to achieve and sustain operational excellence through effective coaching, continuous improvement initiatives, and adherence to company standards. Build organizational capability to drive and maintain improvements in performance and efficiency.

• Leadership & Vision
• Lead and motivate Line Leadership to meet and exceed performance standards in Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost.
• Communicate clear expectations regarding operational standards, ensuring alignment with company policies and goals.
• Develop and execute daily, weekly, and monthly production plans, ensuring alignment with broader site and corporate goals.
• Conduct regular team meetings to align on priorities, address challenges, and recognize achievements.
• Provide coaching and feedback to team members to drive accountability and high performance
• Lead and support change management initiatives, fostering team alignment, engagement and successful adoption of new systems, process and ways of working.
• Operations Excellence
• Oversee daily production activities, ensuring smooth line operation and quick resolution of any production issues.
• Identify opportunities for operational improvement and lead initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Ensure adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP), and company safety policies.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to Safety, Quality, Delivery, and Cost, and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Drive adherence to operational standards and continuous improvement frameworks (e.g., Autonomous Maintenance, Focused Improvement).
• Financial Management
• Develop and manage the budget for the production department, ensuring cost control and optimal resource utilization.
• Track financial performance weekly and monthly; analyze variances and adjust plans as needed to meet financial targets.
• Identify cost reduction opportunities through improved operational efficiency and waste reduction.
• Talent & Organizational Development
• Build a high-performing team by recruiting, training, and developing line operators and technicians.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Provide coaching and development opportunities to team members to enhance skills and promote career growth.
• Lead cross-functional training to ensure team versatility and flexibility in managing production demands.
• Ensure team proficiency in key tools and systems, including:
• Small Work Team (Natural Work Team) improvement framework
• Autonomous Maintenance
• Focused Improvement
• Root Cause and Corrective Action Systems
• STPD (Standardized Problem Solving) tool
• Collaboration & Strategic Partnerships:
• Collaborate with site leadership, maintenance, engineering, and quality teams to identify and resolve production challenges.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to implement new processes, equipment, and product launches.
• Act as the primary point of contact for production-related issues, ensuring alignment with broader plant objectives.
• Engage in strategic planning with site leaders to ensure long-term operational success
• All other duties as assigned

An equivalent combination of experience and education will also be considered.

Education

Education Level

Description

4 Year / Bachelor's Degree

· Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, etc.) required.

· Internal candidates: must be actively enrolled in a STEM degree program.

Experience

Minimum Years of Experience

Comments

6 to 8 years

· Minimum of 7 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferably in the food industry.

· Internal candidates: minimum of 5 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role.

Certifications

·

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
List any program-based or field knowledge. Include skills/abilities needed to perform the job

· Demonstrated strength in leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.

· Experience with continuous improvement tools and methodologies such as TPM, Lean, or Six Sigma.

· Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and relevant food safety regulations is preferred.

· Must be willing and able to relocate for promotional opportunities.

Working Conditions

The working conditions of this job require the employee to frequently be exposed to wet, humid, and icy conditions. Employee is occasionally exposed to vibration, and the noise level can be moderate. To protect against these conditions, frequent use of personal protective equipment is required.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Physical Demands Hardcoded

Demand

Frequency

Sit

Frequent

Stand

Frequent

Walk

Frequent

Lift

Frequent

Bend/Twist

Frequent

Reach

Frequent

Other Physical Demands or Working Conditions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in office and production settings. The employee is required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, talk, and hear as well as interact with other employees. The job will require long periods of sitting, telephone work, and/or computer work. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 15 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.

AAP/EEO Statement

Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. (AFNA) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. AFNA does not discriminate based on race, religion, color, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis protected by state, federal, or local law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, merit, and business need.

The statements contained herein reflect general details as necessary to describe the principal functions for this job, the level of knowledge and skill typically required, and the scope of responsibility, but should not be considered an all-inclusive listing of work requirements. Individuals may perform other duties as assigned.

PI277962530