Full job description

The Sr. Manager, Plant Performance & Operations, Seasoning is responsible for the overall performance of the Seasoning manufacturing business, including safety, quality, service, cost, and people development. This role provides leadership across production, warehouse, planning, and inventory functions to ensure effective execution and alignment with business objectives. The position drives operational excellence through cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement, and strong leadership of people and processes. This job reports to the Director of Spice Business Operations

Key Responsibilities

Plant & Operational Leadership

• Lead all aspects of Seasoning operations, including production, warehouse, planning, and inventory

• Ensure alignment of daily execution with business priorities, customer needs, and production schedules

• Drive a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture, driving proactive improvements and accountability at all levels

• Lead efforts to strengthen food safety and quality systems, partnering closely with Quality

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory, audit, and internal standards

• Oversee readiness and execution of customer and regulatory audits, including follow-up actions

Performance & Continuous Improvement

• Own plant-level performance metrics including safety, quality, service, cost, and productivity

• Use data and metrics to identify gaps, prioritize initiatives, and drive measurable improvement

• Lead structured root cause problem-solving for quality issues, operational disruptions, and customer complaints

• Drive labor efficiency and process improvements through standardized tools and continuous improvement methods

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Ensure effective scheduling and execution

• Influence and collaborate with Maintenance, Quality, and Sr. Manager Plant Performance and Operations, Spice to optimize overall plant performance

• Maintain strong communication across functions to proactively address risks, constraints, and opportunities

Financial & Resource Management

• Own and manage labor and departmental costs, including staffing, overtime, and temporary labor

• Optimize resource utilization to balance cost, service, and operational efficiency

• Implement improvements in processes, equipment use, and working conditions to maximize productivity

Systems, Controls & Execution Discipline

• Ensure accurate and consistent use of ERP and production systems (e.g., RedZone)

• Maintain and improve documentation systems, including SOPs, performance tracking, and employee development plans

• Audit production and operational records to ensure accuracy and compliance

Leadership & People Development

• Develop and coach leaders and teams to build a high-performing, engaged organization

• Set clear expectations and hold teams accountable for results and behaviors

• Build a culture focused on ownership, growth, and continuous learning

• Strong Cross Functional Communication and Influence to maintain and improve plant operations with the Sr. Manager Plant Performance and Operations for Spice, Quality, and Engineering and Maintenance

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)

• Minimum of 5+ years of leadership experience in manufacturing (food industry preferred)

• Strong experience with plant operations, process improvement, and KPI management

• Working knowledge of regulatory requirements (OSHA, food safety standards such as SQF preferred)

• Able to physically handle up to and including 50 lbs.

Core Competencies

• Strong leadership and team development capabilities

• Excellent problem-solving and root cause analysis skills

• Ability to balance short-term execution with long-term strategy

• Effective cross-functional collaboration and influencing skills

• Strong decision-making under pressure and ambiguity

• High level of accountability and ownership

• Ability to make and effectively communicate timely, difficult decisions in the best interest of the team and business

• Assesses and manages risk effectively, seeking input when needed and confidently navigating uncertainty

Key Attributes

• Adaptable to a lighthearted, creative, solution-based environment.

• Organized, self-disciplined, goal-oriented, and people focused.

• Confident and self-less leader with high expectations, driven by results, and motivated by the success of the team.

• Able to provide professional leadership, motivation, and direction.

Work Environment

• Noise level - mid range

• Regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and fumes or airborne particles.

• PPE is required to be worn.