Job Description

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and managing daily plant operations in a 24/7 flexographic printing and packaging environment. This position oversees all Production Supervisors and ensures consistent achievement of safety, production, quality, staffing, and onboarding objectives. The role plays a critical part in developing high-performing leaders, driving engagement, and ensuring strong alignment across all shifts. The Operations Manager partners closely with HR to maintain consistency in policies, training, and employee development, while collaborating with Maintenance and Continuous Improvement (CI) to optimize machine performance, minimize downtime, and strengthen operator accountability.

Responsibilities and Duties:

This job description and performance standard document have been prepared as a guide to ensure better communication and understanding. All responsibilities, however, have not been included, nor could they be. Your Manager may from time to time ask you to perform other related duties not specifically included in this description. Likewise, this description will be revised as needed to meet current business requirements.

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee daily production activities to ensure efficient and safe plant operations across all shifts.
• Monitor production schedules, quality standards, and resource allocation to meet output and customer requirements.
• Lead engagement on the production floor through regular Gemba walks to observe processes, listen to team feedback, and reinforce safety, quality, and performance expectations.
• Collaborate closely with Maintenance, Quality, and CI teams to resolve downtime issues, optimize equipment performance, and sustain TPM initiatives.
• Maintain accountability for press and finishing department performance, including waste, uptime, and labor efficiency.
• Ensure all work is performed in compliance with safety, SQF, and company standards.
• The Operations Manager is responsible for all associate aspects in terms of safety, annual reviews, staffing, hiring and potential terminations in the plant, and works in conjunction with and provides direction to the Production Supervisors for all associate aspects in terms of safety, annual reviews, staffing, hiring and potential terminations in the plant.
• Arrives regularly prior to their scheduled shift to review the production schedule, to review staffing issues, and to touch base with the prior Shift Leader for continuity (Shift-to-Shift Tie-In) and preparation for the communication huddles.
• Trains, guides, and assists associates in the successful execution of their roles. Coordinates training of new associates by assigning a qualified trainer and monitoring the timely completion and documentation of the training program. Works with Quality Assurance to make sure every associate in the department(s) is Quality Certified and completes any other job-related training

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Supervisors to become strong, consistent leaders capable of managing people, processes, and performance.
• Mentor leaders on all assigned projects, ensuring alignment with objectives, deadlines, and expected outcomes while fostering ownership and accountability.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous learning among all team members.
• Conduct regular 1:1 meetings and performance reviews with Supervisors to set clear goals and expectations.
• Promote open communication and team alignment across all shifts to maintain consistency and productivity.

Partnership & Collaboration

• Partner with HR to ensure consistent application of company policies, procedures, and disciplinary practices.
• Collaborate with HR and Training teams on staffing, onboarding, and retention to build a stable, capable workforce.
• Work closely with Maintenance and CI departments to prioritize preventive maintenance, improve machine reliability, and drive operator ownership.
• Support Safety and Quality leadership in maintaining compliance, reducing incidents, and addressing root cause corrective actions.

Performance Management

• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) include safety, scrap, downtime, labor utilization, and production output.
• Lead problem-solving efforts using Lean/CI tools to identify and eliminate waste.
• Analyze daily and weekly production data to identify trends, develop countermeasures, and implement process improvements.
• Regularly flex hours to off shifts to drive performance, provide leadership visibility, and support night and weekend teams.
• Drive accountability among Supervisors and team members for achieving operational goals.

Employee Engagement & Culture

• Promote a positive, inclusive, and performance-driven work environment.
• Recognize achievements and reinforce company values through coaching, feedback, and participation in recognition programs.
• Champion We Care and Better Together culture initiatives that align with PPCs core values.

Skills and Qualifications :

• Seven years or more experience in a supervisory/management/leadership position in an industrial production environment.
• Minimum of 5 years in flexographic printing required.
• Detail-orientation required for completing required paperwork and information systems inputs with a high degree of accuracy.
• Proven success managing teams in a 24/7 production environment .
• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and TPM principles.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through influence, build effective teams, and develop future leaders.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and production management systems

Working Conditions and/or Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift and ensure proper handling of items up to 75 pounds. The Production Manager should consider themselves a player-coach, willing to pitch in and lead by example as necessary.
• Must be capable of standing for the duration of a work shift less breaks and lunch.
• Must be capable and willing to work in excess of a normal workweek as production demands dictate.
• Must be able to distinguish and ensure product quality in a fast-paced production environment.
• Must be able to identify, prioritize, and meet multiple expectations for areas of responsibility.
• Must have the physical dexterity to bend, stand, flex, and reach as the position dictates.
• Must be able to satisfactorily see and differentiate color per adopted assessment methods in order to support efficient press set-ups and good print quality.
• Must be capable of understanding different film testing methods and department quality procedures.
• Must travel (up to 10%) as required; overnight travel may be required.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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