Sr. Operations Manager

Ghirardelli Chocolate CompanySenior Manager, Operations San Leandro, CA2nd Shift 2pm- 10:30pmSummaryThe Senior Operations Manager will ensure that production resources meet the safety, quality, cost, and delivery expectations over a three-shift operation. This position is additionally responsible for developing their team, setting direction, and enabling their team to drive results. The Senior Operations Manager will be a leader in implementing and influencing a continuous improvement culture across the Operations department based on the WCOM (World Class Operations Management) and TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) philosophy, implementing a culture of continuous improvement to increases operational efficiencies and productivity through a TPM Pillar approach and launching cross functional teams to eliminate losses.ResponsibilitiesFoster a safe working environment promoting safety related processes and procedures - Work towards 0 accidentsShows strong leadership in promoting safety processes and proceduresEnforce and coach on all internal and external safety regulations.Be familiar with State and Federal Safety Requirements.Responsible to maintain and improve existing HACCP and other quality programs.Ensure quality deviations are reviewed and corrective actions to avoid reoccurrence are identified.Ensure that sanitation and housekeeping of assigned areas meet Ghirardelli standards as well as regulatory requirements.Hold employees accountable for the quality of product.Manage labor and material variances and develop action plans to reduce costs.Drive improvements to line efficiencies through the development and execution of improvement plans and corrective actions for deviations from standard.Participate in long-term capital planning.Control production department budgets in respective areas of responsibility.Responsible for material flow and material usage in the assigned area.Effectively communicate across the organization, including Production, Warehouse, Planning, Human Resources and other departmentsFosters and promotes a culture of teamwork between all plant departmentsMotivate plant employees by recognizing positive achievements with regard to safe practices, work quality, attitude, attendance, follow-through and organization.Leadership, coaching and development of direct report salaried production supervisors.Work closely together with Human Resources department to guarantee that all labor issues are addressed in a timely manner and according to the union contract.Participate and drive resolution with grievance meetings, contract negotiations, mediation and arbitration as needed.Drive continuous improvement projects in area, working closely with Industrial Performance, QA, Scheduling, Maintenance, R&D and EngineeringSupport Engineering Department when new processes and machinery are designed, built, installed and trained for. Meet with Engineering on all new design reviews for installations and upgradesLead the implementation of TPM philosophy within their area to prioritize projects to improve the factory efficiency and lossesHire, develop and manage performance of team. Create an inclusive environment that embraces our values and purpose.Provide direct support to other areas of Supply chain, such as Co-Pack, Supply Planning, etc.Utilizes expertise in the organization to drive key initiativesMay perform other duties as assigned.Complete special projects and other duties as assigned or as necessary.Required Knowledge and SkillsBA degree in Engineering, Food Science, or related discipline and minimum 8 years of related experience2-3 years of direct supervision experience1-2 years of department manager experiencePrevious experience in chocolate manufacturing and/or consumer packaging goods (CPG) preferredDeductive reasoning, strong analytical and problem solving skillsEmploys Lean tools in order to accomplish business objectivesApplies a structured methodology and lead change management activitiesAbility to direct and lead direct reports with strong skills in leading, organizing and developing peopleExcellent organizational skillsAbility to set expectations and hold employees accountableAbility to set priorities and to be self-disciplined and consistentGood written and oral communications skillsAbility to develop and implement action steps and follow through with the people responsible for themAbility to work effectively in a union environment and gain knowledge of the Union ContractGood knowledge of food processing and packaging machineryComputer literacy in MS OfficeExperience with SAP a plusOther Job RequirementsRequired to regularly sit. Occasionally required to stand or walk.Occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.This position must be able to concentrate for extended periods of time paying close attention to detail.Potential for very warm or very cold working environment/depending on area of assignment.Interfacing with various manufacturing equipment and office computer equipment.Regular communication with direct reports and internal and/or external customersMust be able to kneel, bend, crouch and climb as requiredMust be capable of using protective equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses/goggles, safety shoes, hearing protection, etc.Flexibility around work hours to interact with key employees on all shifts.Salary: $144,773 - $160,000 / year

Created: 2025-05-22