Operations Manager

Job Description

About Firestone Pacific Foods

Firestone Pacific Foods (FPF) is a top-tier, efficient processor of frozen fruit that has earned a strong reputation in the market for quality and food safety. FPF has sales relationships with leading US and international food retailers and US food service companies. The company is well positioned to achieve high double-digit annual growth in the highest growth frozen fruit category sub-segments including organic, private label and blended berry products.

Agriculture Capital Fund II, an impact investment fund, acquired FPF in the fall of 2019 as part of its strategy to build out a low cost, vertically integrated supply chain of high quality, organic blueberries operating at scale to address growing global demand for this nutritious fruit. Together, FPF and Agriculture Capital seek to provide customers with product traceability back to the farm and a vehicle for creating and capturing value from Agriculture Capital’s regenerative agronomic practices.

The Firestone Family began farming in the Vancouver, WA, in 1896. We are a fully integrated grower processing operation for domestic and export fruit customers. Our fruit is harvested at the peak of ripeness, processed in our state-of-the art facility, and packed for shipment, ensuring quality in every product from the farm where it was grown to the finished bag in the consumer’s freezer.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the food processing plant to ensure efficient, safe, and quality production. This role involves managing production teams, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, optimizing production processes, and minimizing waste. The Operations Manager will work closely with other departments to achieve production goals, maintain a high standard of food quality, and drive continuous improvements within the plant.

This role requires a collaborative leadership style along with a keen attention to detail, a willingness to “go the extra mile” to achieve business-critical timelines, and zero tolerance for short cuts that compromise human safety and/or food safety.

Responsibilities:

1. Team Leadership:
   • Lead, supervise, and mentor a team of supervisors, leads, and operators, ensuring effective communication and a collaborative working environment.
   • Oversee the training, development, and performance management of production staff.
   • Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
2. Production Planning & Scheduling:
   • Monitor and adjust production schedules as needed to accommodate changes, delays, or urgent orders.
   • Ensure optimal use of plant resources (staff, equipment, and materials) to achieve production goals efficiently.
3. Food Safety & Quality Compliance:
   • Enforce strict adherence to food safety and quality standards.
   • Conduct regular checks to ensure production processes comply with company policies and industry regulations.
   • Implement corrective actions for any deviations in quality or safety standards.
4. Process Optimization & Waste Reduction:
   • Identify opportunities for process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce production costs.
   • Implement lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste and maximize resource utilization.
   • Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance overall plant performance.
5. Cost Management:
   • Monitor and control production costs, including labor, raw materials, and overheads.
   • Ensure that production targets are met within budget, minimizing unnecessary costs and waste.
   • Report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production, costs, quality, and safety to management.
6. Inventory & Supply Chain Coordination:
   • Ensure appropriate levels of raw materials and ingredients are available to meet production needs, in collaboration with the procurement and warehouse teams.
   • Monitor and manage inventory to prevent shortages or overstocking, balancing production needs with cost-effective inventory practices.
7. Health & Safety:
   • Maintain a safe and clean working environment by enforcing plant safety policies, conducting regular safety audits, and addressing any safety hazards immediately.
   • Ensure the team follows safe work practices, including the correct use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and safe handling of machinery.
8. Reporting & Documentation:
   • Ensure accurate reporting of production data, including output, downtime, labor costs, and quality metrics.
   • Maintain records of employee performance, training, and any incidents or accidents on the production floor.
9. Maintenance & Equipment Management:
   • Oversee routine maintenance and troubleshooting of production equipment to minimize downtime and ensure efficient operation.
   • Work with maintenance teams to schedule repairs and ensure the timely availability of equipment for production needs.

Required Experience:

• Minimum: An Associate’s degree or equivalent experience is usually required. Many companies prefer a background in fields like manufacturing, industrial engineering, operations management, or business administration.
• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Manufacturing, Business Management, Engineering) may be preferred by some employers.
• A minimum of 2-5 years of Production Management experience.
• Leadership Experience: At least 2 to 5 years of experience managing teams (supervisors, leads, or operators) in a production environment is highly valued.
• Industry-Specific Knowledge: Experience in the food manufacturing industry.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with production management software, ERP systems, and knowledge of lean manufacturing principles or Six Sigma certification a plus.
• Certifications such as Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt), Lean Manufacturing, or Project Management a plus.

Skills/Competencies:

• Effective coaching, facilitation, presentation, and team-building skills.
• Proven time management skills with an emphasis on meeting deadlines.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong leadership skills with a demonstrated bias for action and results as well as coaching and mentoring a team.
• Demonstrated high attention to detail and documentation.
• A positive and collaborative work style.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks.
• Ability to give and receive constructive feedback.
• Ability to lead a team-based approach to decision making.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing principles (six sigma certification).
• Knowledge of manufacturing equipment, troubleshooting, basic repairs.
• Must be able to walk, stand and maneuver throughout the full workday while being able to lift materials up to 30lbs.

Other:

• Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, or irregular hours especially during fresh processing season.
• Passion for great tasting and nutritious fruit products, including smoothies, would be a big plus.

Company Benefits:

• Eight (8) paid holidays.
• Full-time, non-exempt employees accrue eight (8) days of PTO per year.
• Full-time, exempt employees receive vacation based on length of service:
  • 0-3 years: 2 weeks paid vacation.
  • 4-7 years: 3 weeks paid vacation.
  • 8+ years: 4 weeks paid vacation.
• Paid bereavement leave.
• Medical insurance: United Health Care.
• Dental insurance: Principal.
• Vision insurance: Principal [company covers 100% of premium for employees].
• 401(k) plan: company matches up to 4% of employee’s base compensation.