Operations Manager (Food)

PLZ is committed to product stewardship and innovation, strong ethical standards, sustainable operations and most importantly, the development of our people. Whether at our manufacturing facilities or corporate headquarters, PLZ prioritizes health and safety, and offers you the support you need to create the career you want, through engagement, equity and inclusion, and opportunity.

From household cleaning solutions to personal care products, and food to automotive lubricants, PLZ produces more than 2,500 different aerosol and liquid products in our facilities across the continent. We know that being the partner of choice for our clients starts with being the partner of choice for our employees. Learn more at www.plzcorp.com/careers or visit

We are seeking a results-driven Operations Manager to lead daily manufacturing operations at one of our key production facilities. This role is integral to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective plant performance, with a strong focus on team development, process improvement, and cross-functional collaboration.

Key Responsibility:

• Operational Leadership - Lead daily plant operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets, making sound, data-driven decisions to support business objectives.
• Team Management - Hire, develop, and manage a high-performing team of production leaders and production personnel across multiple shifts and departments.
• Safety Compliance - Promote and support a culture of safety and compliance, ensuring all operations align with internal policies, industry best practices, and regulatory standards.
• Performance Improvement - Drive continuous improvement through effective use of Daily Management Systems and problem-solving tools, identifying and addressing performance gaps in real time.
• Cross-Training Strategy - Facilitate cross-training initiatives to enhance workforce flexibility, continuity, and responsiveness to production demands.
• Collaborative Problem-Solving - Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Quality, Maintenance, Scheduling, Engineering, HR) to resolve operational challenges and implement sustainable solutions.
• Production Reporting - Ensure accurate and timely completion of production and performance reporting; provide coaching and training to team members on reporting standards as needed.
• Strategic Projects - Support strategic projects including capacity expansions, new product/process launches, and operational efficiency upgrades.
• Root Cause Analysis - Lead root cause investigations related to production issues, customer complaints, or quality deviations, and implement corrective and preventive actions.
• Budget Oversight - Oversee departmental budgeting, resource planning, and performance metrics to ensure cost-effective operations and accountability for results.
• Leadership Alignment - Act as a key liaison between plant management and shift-level leadership, ensuring alignment of priorities, consistent communication, and execution of production strategies.
• Interim Leadership - Serve as backup to the Plant Manager or other senior leadership roles as needed, providing continuity in leadership during absences or transitions.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required
• Engineering technology diploma, skilled trades license, or equivalent supervisory/management experience considered
• At least 5 years of Manufacturing Leadership experience, preferably in batch or discrete manufacturing
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, and team-building skills
• Effective verbal and written communication
• Proficient with Microsoft Office; familiarity with SAP, eMaintenance, and AutoCAD a plus
• Proven analytical, problem-solving, and technical capabilities
• Basic project management skills
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar Continuous Improvement methodologies

PLZ Corp offers a robust suite of benefits including:

• Medical, Dental & Vision benefits.
• Company paid Life and Short-Term disability.
• Voluntary benefits including additional life, disability, and hospital/accident insurance.
• 401k & company provided match.
• Paid Time Off
• Bonus incentive programs (Note, bonuses are subject to the rules governing the program, whereby an award, if any, depends on various factors, including, without limitation, individual and organizational performance.)

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or other protected status. EEOE/M/F/Vet/Disabled. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.