Operations Manager – Food Processing – Kansas City, MO

Are you a results-driven leader with a passion for food processing and operational excellence? We are seeking an Operations Manager – Food Processing to oversee and optimize manufacturing processes in Kansas City, MO. This is an exciting opportunity to drive production efficiency, enhance quality control, and lead a high-performing team in the food manufacturing industry. If you have strong leadership skills and a track record of improving operational workflows, this role is for you.

Lead a Dynamic Food Processing Facility in Kansas City

A leading food processing company in Kansas City, MO is looking for a skilled Operations Manager to manage daily plant operations and ensure seamless production processes. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in food manufacturing, a strong understanding of industry regulations, and the ability to drive continuous improvement in a fast-paced environment. If you are passionate about optimizing food processing operations and leading teams to success, we want to hear from you.

Key Responsibilities of the Operations Manager – Food Processing

Operational Leadership:

Oversee and manage the day-to-day operations of food processing facilities to ensure efficiency, productivity, and safety.
Develop and implement standard operating procedures (SOPs) to optimize workflow, reduce bottlenecks, and enhance overall production capacity.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production output, downtime, and labor efficiency to drive continuous operational improvements.
Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, logistics, and maintenance, to ensure smooth execution of production plans.

Quality Assurance & Compliance:

Ensure strict compliance with food safety regulations, including FDA, USDA, HACCP, and company-specific quality assurance policies.
Develop and maintain a robust quality control system to monitor product consistency, safety, and adherence to specifications.
Oversee the implementation of Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and enforce quality standards across all production lines.
Conduct routine quality audits, identify potential risks, and proactively address non-compliance issues before they escalate.

Team Management & Development:

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing production team to achieve operational targets and business objectives.
Establish clear performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and conduct performance evaluations to foster a culture of accountability.
Identify skill gaps within the team and implement training programs to enhance employee capabilities in food processing techniques and safety protocols.
Create a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages teamwork, innovation, and problem-solving.

Production Planning & Scheduling:

Develop and execute detailed production schedules to align with customer demands, inventory levels, and seasonal fluctuations.
Coordinate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure the timely availability of raw materials and ingredients.
Optimize workforce planning by managing shifts, labor allocations, and overtime to meet production deadlines efficiently.
Work closely with sales and marketing teams to forecast demand trends and adjust production schedules accordingly.

Cost Optimization & Budget Management:

Monitor operational expenses, including labor, raw materials, energy consumption, and equipment maintenance, to identify cost-saving opportunities.
Develop and manage the department’s annual budget, ensuring alignment with overall business financial goals.
Implement lean manufacturing principles to eliminate waste, reduce inefficiencies, and maximize resource utilization.
Negotiate with suppliers to optimize procurement costs while maintaining quality standards.

Continuous Improvement Initiatives:

Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other methodologies to enhance production efficiency.
Analyze operational data and identify key areas for improvement, such as throughput enhancement and waste reduction.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement by encouraging employees to contribute ideas and innovations for operational enhancements.
Implement real-time monitoring systems to track production metrics and make data-driven decisions for process optimization.

Safety & Risk Management:

Enforce workplace safety standards, ensuring full compliance with OSHA and other relevant health and safety regulations.
Conduct routine safety inspections, hazard assessments, and risk analyses to proactively identify and mitigate potential safety issues.
Develop and implement comprehensive safety training programs for employees to minimize workplace accidents and injuries.
Maintain emergency response protocols and crisis management plans to address unforeseen incidents, such as equipment failures or contamination issues.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Operations Manager – Food Processing in Kansas City, MO, the client seeks a strategic leader with hands-on experience in food manufacturing. You should have a strong operational background, the ability to optimize processes, and a commitment to maintaining high-quality standards.

Proven Leadership in Food Processing:

The client is looking for a leader with a solid track record in food manufacturing operations. You should have experience in managing production teams, implementing quality controls, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Strategic & Analytical Thinker:

The ideal candidate will have strong problem-solving skills and the ability to develop strategic plans to enhance operational efficiency. Your expertise in analyzing data and driving process improvements is crucial.

Strong Financial Acumen:

Budget management and cost optimization are key components of this role. You must be skilled in managing operational budgets, reducing production costs, and maximizing profitability without compromising quality.

Excellent Communication & Team Leadership:

The client values a leader who can build and inspire high-performing teams. Your ability to foster a positive work environment and align team efforts with company goals will be vital.

Commitment to Quality & Safety:

Ensuring food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance is non-negotiable. The client seeks a manager with a deep understanding of HACCP, USDA, FDA, and OSHA standards.

FAQs About the Role – Operations Manager – Food Processing

1. What are the key responsibilities of the Operations Manager in this role?

As the Operations Manager – Food Processing, your primary responsibility will be to oversee the daily production and operational efficiency of the facility. Your duties will include:

Production Oversight: Managing all aspects of the food processing operation, from raw material intake to final product packaging.
Quality Compliance: Ensuring strict adherence to food safety and quality assurance standards, including HACCP, FDA, USDA, and OSHA regulations.
Team Leadership: Supervising, mentoring, and developing a high-performing workforce.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?

The ideal candidate should have a strong background in food processing, manufacturing operations, and leadership. Key qualifications include:

Educational Background: A Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree (MBA or MS in Operations Management) is a plus.
Industry Experience: A minimum of 5+ years of experience in food processing or manufacturing operations, with proven expertise in managing production teams.
Regulatory Knowledge: A deep understanding of HACCP, FDA, USDA, and OSHA regulations to ensure compliance in food safety and workplace standards.
Technical & Process Improvement Skills: Proficiency in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies for enhancing efficiency and reducing waste.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

As an Operations Manager in Food Processing, you will be responsible for leading teams and optimizing production performance. The company seeks a leader with the following qualities:

Strategic Thinker: Ability to develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals.
Strong Communicator: Clear and effective communication with employees, management, and external stakeholders.
Results-Oriented: A proactive approach to setting and achieving performance targets.
Team Motivator: Inspiring employees to work efficiently, collaboratively, and with a focus on quality.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

The Operations Manager – Food Processing role comes with its own set of challenges, including:

Meeting Tight Production Deadlines: Balancing high-volume demands while maintaining product quality and operational efficiency.
Regulatory Compliance: Keeping up with evolving food safety and workplace regulations to ensure strict adherence to industry standards.
Supply Chain & Inventory Management: Managing fluctuating supply chain demands, reducing waste, and optimizing inventory control.
Labor Management: Recruiting, training, and retaining a skilled workforce while managing labor costs effectively.

5. What is the expected impact of the Operations Manager on the company’s growth?

Your role as Operations Manager is crucial to the company’s success and long-term sustainability. The key areas where you will make an impact include:

Production Efficiency: Streamlining operations to maximize output while minimizing waste and downtime.
Cost Management: Implementing cost-saving initiatives that enhance profitability without compromising quality.
Quality Assurance: Ensuring that all food products meet industry safety and quality standards, reducing the risk of recalls.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?

The company offers a dynamic, fast-paced work environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and excellence. The culture is built on the following core values:

Commitment to Safety: A strong emphasis on workplace and food safety, ensuring that all operations meet regulatory standards.
Innovation & Continuous Improvement: Encouraging employees to adopt new technologies and methodologies to optimize processes.
Collaboration & Teamwork: A culture of open communication, where ideas are shared, and teamwork is prioritized.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

The Operations Manager – Food Processing position in Kansas City, MO offers a competitive compensation package, including:

Base Salary: Competitive, based on experience and industry standards.
Performance Bonuses: Incentives tied to production efficiency, cost savings, and quality metrics.
Health & Wellness Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans.
Retirement Plans: 401(k) with company contributions.
Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced and results-driven leader with a strong background in food processing, we invite you to apply for the Operations Manager – Food Processing position in Kansas City, MO. This is an exciting opportunity to manage and optimize production operations, implement best practices, and lead a team to ensure efficiency, quality, and safety in food manufacturing.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter that outlines your experience in food processing operations, leadership, team management, and process improvement. Highlight your expertise in driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, and managing cross-functional teams to achieve production goals.

In this role, you will have the chance to make a significant impact on the company’s production processes, streamline workflows, and contribute to the overall growth and success of the organization. Apply now to take the next step in your operations management career within the food processing industry.

For more information or to explore similar opportunities, visit our Food Processing Jobs Page.

Job Category: Food Processing

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Kansas City

Operations Manager – Food Processing – Kansas City, MO