Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing – Salt Lake City, UT

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for operational efficiency and food processing? We are seeking a Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing to join a dynamic team in Salt Lake City, UT. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in optimizing processes, driving productivity, and supporting strategic initiatives within the food processing industry. If you excel at data analysis, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration, this role is for you!

Drive Operational Excellence in Food Processing

A leading food processing company in Salt Lake City, UT is looking for a Senior Operations Analyst to enhance their operational strategies and streamline production processes. The ideal candidate will have strong analytical skills, hands-on experience in food manufacturing or processing, and a passion for continuous improvement. If you’re ready to make an impact by driving operational efficiency and supporting business growth, this is your chance to shine.

Key Responsibilities of the Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing

🔹 Data Analysis & Reporting:

Gather, analyze, and interpret large datasets related to food processing operations, including production efficiency, resource utilization, and cost-effectiveness.
Utilize advanced data visualization tools to create comprehensive dashboards and reports that provide actionable insights.
Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) such as production rates, waste reduction, machine downtime, and cost savings.

🔹 Process Optimization:

Analyze existing food processing workflows to identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies that impact productivity and profitability.
Work closely with production teams to implement process improvement strategies, ensuring minimal waste, optimized machine utilization, and enhanced output.
Leverage Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive continuous improvement and cost-saving initiatives.

🔹 Supply Chain & Inventory Management:

Collaborate with procurement and supply chain teams to assess and manage inventory levels, ensuring raw materials are available when needed to prevent production slowdowns.
Implement demand forecasting techniques to anticipate production needs, reducing excess inventory and minimizing shortages.
Optimize raw material utilization by analyzing supplier performance, negotiating better purchasing terms, and identifying cost-saving opportunities.

🔹 Operational Strategy & Planning:

Assist in the formulation and execution of long-term operational strategies that align with company growth objectives, emphasizing efficiency, scalability, and cost control.
Analyze past operational performance and provide recommendations for scaling up production while maintaining quality and compliance.
Support budget planning by analyzing production costs, resource allocation, and expenditure trends to enhance financial efficiency.

🔹 Quality Assurance & Compliance:

Ensure all food processing operations comply with federal, state, and local food safety regulations, including FDA, USDA, and HACCP requirements.
Collaborate with the quality control team to enforce industry best practices for product testing, safety protocols, and regulatory compliance.
Conduct routine audits and inspections to identify compliance gaps and recommend corrective actions.

🔹 Cross-Functional Collaboration:

Act as a liaison between production, finance, research & development (R&D), and supply chain teams to ensure alignment on operational goals and priorities.
Work with finance teams to provide operational data for cost analysis, helping to develop cost-saving strategies without compromising product quality.
Partner with R&D teams to support product innovation by analyzing production feasibility, scaling options, and raw material efficiency.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As a Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing, the client is searching for a proactive and strategic professional who excels in data-driven decision-making, operational efficiency, and cross-functional collaboration. Your role will be crucial in optimizing processes, enhancing productivity, and driving continuous improvement within the food processing sector. If you have a strong foundation in operations management, food manufacturing best practices, and advanced analytical skills, you could be the perfect fit for this opportunity.

🔸 Proven Analytical Skills

The client highly values candidates who have experience collecting, analyzing, and interpreting operational data to enhance business performance. As a Senior Operations Analyst, your ability to identify key trends, optimize workflows, and propose data-backed solutions will directly contribute to the company’s success. You should be proficient in quantitative analysis, operational forecasting, and KPI tracking to drive strategic decision-making.

Additionally, expertise in statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and business intelligence tools (such as Power BI, Tableau, or SQL-based analytics) will be a significant advantage. The client is looking for someone who can not only extract insights from complex data sets but also translate those insights into impactful business strategies.

🔸 Food Processing Expertise

A deep understanding of food processing operations is essential for success in this role. The client prefers candidates with experience in food manufacturing, production planning, and compliance with industry regulations such as FDA, USDA, HACCP, and GMP standards.

You should be familiar with food safety protocols, quality control procedures, and equipment maintenance to ensure seamless operations. Experience with raw material sourcing, inventory management, and distribution logistics will set you apart, as the role involves collaborating with procurement and supply chain teams to optimize costs and improve efficiency.

Moreover, knowledge of automation and emerging food tech innovations will be highly beneficial. The client seeks a professional who stays ahead of industry trends and technological advancements to drive operational excellence and maintain a competitive edge in the food manufacturing space.

🔸 Process Improvement Mindset

The ideal candidate should possess a continuous improvement mindset with expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies, and other process optimization frameworks. Your focus will be on:

✔ Reducing operational costs without compromising product quality
✔ Minimizing waste and inefficiencies in food production and packaging
✔ Implementing automation and process enhancements to boost productivity
✔ Developing and refining SOPs to ensure consistency and compliance

🔸 Strong Communication & Leadership

This role requires strong collaboration and leadership skills, as you will be working with cross-functional teams, including production managers, quality assurance teams, procurement specialists, and senior executives. Your ability to convey complex data in a clear and actionable manner will be crucial in securing stakeholder buy-in and implementing process improvements.

Key expectations include:

✔ Leading operational meetings and presenting performance reports to senior leadership
✔ Facilitating cross-departmental communication to align business objectives
✔ Managing project timelines, milestones, and deliverables to ensure smooth execution
✔ Training and mentoring team members on best practices and data-driven methodologies

🔸 Tech-Savvy & Detail-Oriented

In today’s fast-paced food manufacturing environment, data-driven decision-making and digital transformation are key drivers of success. The client seeks a tech-savvy analyst who can leverage cutting-edge tools and technologies to enhance operational performance.

Preferred technical skills include:

✔ Advanced Excel (macros, pivot tables, VBA scripting)
✔ SQL and database management for data extraction and analysis
✔ ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) for tracking supply chain and production data
✔ BI and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI) for reporting and dashboard creation

FAQs About the Role – Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing

1. What are the key responsibilities of this role?

As a Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing operational performance within a fast-paced food production environment. Your responsibilities will focus on:

Data Analysis & Performance Metrics: Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting key operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies, and opportunities for improvement.
Process Optimization: Evaluating and refining production workflows to enhance efficiency, minimize waste, and increase throughput.
Inventory & Supply Chain Management: Monitoring inventory levels, coordinating supply chain logistics, and ensuring materials are available to meet production demands without surplus or shortages.

2. What qualifications and experience are required?

To excel as a Senior Operations Analyst in food processing, the ideal candidate should possess:

Educational Background:
- A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Analytics, or a related field.
Work Experience:
- 3+ years of experience in operations analysis, preferably within the food processing, food manufacturing, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.
Technical & Analytical Skills:
- Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Microsoft Excel (advanced), SQL, Power BI, Tableau, or ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, etc.).
- Experience in process improvement methodologies like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or Kaizen.
- Familiarity with supply chain logistics, inventory control, and forecasting models.
Regulatory & Compliance Knowledge:
- Understanding of FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations.
Soft Skills & Leadership Qualities:
- Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities.
- Excellent communication, collaboration, and presentation skills.
- The ability to work cross-functionally with teams across different departments.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?

The Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing position requires a strong mix of analytical expertise and leadership skills to drive meaningful improvements in operations. Key leadership attributes include:

Strategic Thinking: The ability to align operations strategies with business goals, focusing on both immediate and long-term improvements.
Collaboration & Teamwork: Effectively working with various departments, including production, quality assurance, procurement, and logistics.
Proactive Problem-Solving: Anticipating operational challenges and implementing solutions to mitigate risks and inefficiencies.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?

The Senior Operations Analyst role in food processing presents exciting but demanding challenges, including:

Optimizing Production Efficiency: Balancing high production demands with efficiency improvements while minimizing waste.
Managing Supply Chain Complexities: Coordinating between suppliers, manufacturers, and distribution channels to maintain a seamless flow of raw materials and finished goods.
Ensuring Compliance with Food Safety Regulations: Navigating regulatory requirements and ensuring all processes meet FDA, USDA, and HACCP standards.

5. What impact will I have on the company’s growth?

As a Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing, your contributions will have a direct impact on the company’s operational efficiency, cost savings, and overall profitability. Your key areas of influence include:

Improving Efficiency: By identifying bottlenecks and streamlining processes, you will help reduce production downtime, increase throughput, and enhance operational productivity.
Reducing Costs: Your ability to analyze cost structures, identify waste reduction opportunities, and improve inventory management will contribute to significant financial savings for the company.
Enhancing Product Quality: By ensuring compliance with industry regulations and quality standards, you will play a role in maintaining the company’s reputation for delivering high-quality food products.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As a Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing in Salt Lake City, UT, you can expect a competitive compensation package that includes:

Base Salary: Typically ranging from $70,000 to $90,000 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
Performance-Based Bonuses: Additional incentives tied to key metrics like cost savings, productivity improvements, and project outcomes.
Health & Wellness Benefits: Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Retirement Plans: 401(k) with company matching.
Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement.
Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, holidays, and flexible work arrangements.

How to Apply

If you are an experienced and results-driven professional with a strong background in food processing operations, we invite you to apply for the Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing role in Salt Lake City, UT. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to the growth and optimization of food processing operations, ensuring operational efficiency and supporting strategic decision-making.

To apply, please submit your resume along with a cover letter that outlines your experience in food processing operations, data analysis, process optimization, and supply chain management. In your application, please highlight your ability to analyze operational data, drive improvements in efficiency, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to meet organizational goals.

This position offers a key opportunity to work in a dynamic environment where you can influence critical operations decisions, enhance productivity, and make a direct impact on the food processing industry. Apply today to take the next step in your career as a Senior Operations Analyst in Salt Lake City, UT!

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

Job Category: Food Processing

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: Salt Lake City

Senior Operations Analyst – Food Processing – Salt Lake City, UT