Manufacturing Operations Leader #0209

Our client, a prominent food production facility located in Suffolk, Virginia, is looking for an energetic Manufacturing Operations Leader to spearhead comprehensive facility management. This outstanding opportunity allows you to champion operational excellence within a high-energy manufacturing setting while maintaining top-tier safety standards, product quality, and fiscal performance.

Manufacturing Operations Leader will manage the complete facility scope, encompassing production activities, distribution operations, quality control, and logistics coordination. This position demands an experienced leader capable of directing multi-disciplinary teams, executing process improvement programs, and upholding rigorous food safety protocols and regulatory adherence. You'll collaborate directly with senior management to advance strategic goals while maintaining active engagement in day-to-day operations.

This role provides an opportunity to create substantial value within an expanding organization, guiding a committed workforce in a competitive marketplace.

Key Responsibilities

• Champion a culture of safety, quality, and accountability
• Support internal and external audits and customer inspections
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements (OSHA, FDA, USDA, food safety standards)
• Partner with HR and Safety teams on workforce development and training initiatives
• Lead and develop plant leadership teams across multiple departments
• Manage plant budgets and financial performance to achieve business targets
• Develop and enforce standard operating procedures across all functions
• Serve as liaison between plant operations and executive leadership
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in productivity, cost reduction, and efficiency
• Direct all plant operations including production scheduling, inventory management, and warehouse activities

Work Environment This represents a hands-on leadership position within an operational food production facility. The role demands:

• Ability to respond quickly to operational needs and safety concerns
• Work around food-grade allergens and dust
• Use of personal protective equipment as required
• Exposure to varying temperatures and non-climate-controlled areas
• Regular presence on the production floor

Essential:

• Physical ability to stand/walk for extended periods and lift up to 50 lbs regularly
• Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and foster accountability
• Ability to work in a non-climate-controlled manufacturing environment
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or related field (Master's preferred)
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations including HACCP, GMP, and FSMA
• Experience managing budgets with P&L responsibility
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
• Full knowledge of SAP for inventory and accounting
• 8-10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or food processing environments
• Proven track record in production management, cost reduction, and process optimization

Preferred:

• Master's degree in related field
• Experience managing supply chain functions including procurement, inventory control, and logistics
• Bilingual capabilities (English/Spanish)
• OSHA 30-Hour Certification (or willingness to obtain within 90 days)
• Familiarity with preventive and predictive maintenance practices
• Experience in the peanut or nut processing industry

Annual Salary: $95,000 - $105,000 (based on experience)

Additional compensation package:

• Paid holidays
• Life Insurance and AD&D coverage
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Auto allowance
• Supplemental insurance options
• Potential for future bonus structure
• Generous vacation and PTO
• 401(k) retirement plan

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at .
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.