Job Description

Reporting to the Metro Facilities General Manager, the Plant Operations Manager, also known as the Facility Team Leader (FTL) is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the manufacturing facility and managing a large and varied group of leaders and supervisors, all while ensuring team safety, staffing, and achieving consistent results.

Responsibilities: 

• Execute strategies and plans for fresh food manufacturing, supply chain management, environmental health and safety, product total quality management, manufacturing digitalization transformation, and continuous improvement. 

• Lead and ensure that a complex US Department of Agriculture (USDA) manufacturing facility operates safely and complies with regulatory and corporate safety and environmental program standards and goals. 

• Lead facility-level operational excellence, production innovation, product craft at scale, assembly and packaging, and inbound and outbound with a long-term vision and continuous improvement mindset. 

• Ensure robust plant safety and security inspections, auditing, and training procedures are implemented to meet and maintain Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other required regulations. 

• Review Key Performance Indicator (KPI) reports and other production indicators daily to direct the resolution of operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems. 

• Motivate, direct, coach, and develop a high performing diverse and engaged team of leaders and skilled professionals to meet established goals and build organizational capability. Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented environment within the facility. 

• Interview, select, train, develop, and counsel Team Members and Team Leaders in a manner which builds and sustains a high performing team. 

• Develop and implement structured training programs that equip team members with the technical proficiency required for their roles, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement. 

• Manage capital and operating budgets and oversee the strategy of capital investment projects and spending within a complex and high asset utilization facility. 

• Direct, manage, and optimize the facility’s overall operations and financial performance (P&L). Collect operational metrics to analyze productivity and set performance targets to meet revenue and cost goals. 

• Ensure that the facility meets Whole Foods Market's high standards for safety, quality, and efficiency. 

• Respond effectively to operational issues, emergencies, or unexpected events to minimize impact on operations and stakeholders. 

• Oversee facility regulatory compliance, in close collaboration with the Executive Leader of Manufacturing Excellence, General Manager, Asset Protection team, Legal partners, and other key stakeholders.

• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Risk Management, Internal Audit, Asset Protection, Team Member Services, etc.) to direct compliance issues to appropriate existing channels for investigation and resolution. Consult with other functions as needed to resolve difficult issues. 

• Work collaboratively with Team Member Services on Team Member relations, including proper documentation, investigations, and corrective actions. 

• Drive consistency and standardization in the use of digital tools, processes, and systems in the facility. 

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including but not limited to team members, customers, suppliers, and regulators. 

• Build a positive work environment of outstanding teamwork and mutual respect. 

 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, manufacturing, industrial engineering, or a related field preferred. 

• 6-8 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in managing food manufacturing operations, driving continuous improvement, and achieving operational excellence. 

• 2-4 years of leadership experience leading large teams of 300+ Team Members. 

• Proven track record of success in a leadership role in the food manufacturing industry. 

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred, Black Belt is a plus. 

• Deep knowledge and experience in large volume fresh food manufacturing formulations and quality implications when producing at scale.

• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) trained, Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) audit experience, and an understanding of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/USDA policies and OSHA regulations preferred. 

• Hands-on experience implementing new technologies to enhance operational efficiency, e.g., Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. 

• Advanced computer skills; proficiency in select Microsoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); and ability to learn custom applications.

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and environmental health and safety. 

• Proven leadership of continuous improvement efforts to address quality, processing, and safety issues by creating and managing an operational excellence program, metrics, and initiatives. 

• Consistent history of strong business and financial performance. 

• Expected travel: 10-15%. 

 

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.

• Must adhere to company dress code, standards of production kitchen dress, and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.

• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.

• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.

• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.

• Exposure to temperatures: 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.

• May require the use of ladders.

 

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs. 

The wage range for this position is $115,000.00 - $150,000.00 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers "Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire.At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.

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