Job Description
Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.
Purpose of the role:
The Operations Manager holds accountability for operational leadership across the manufacturing facilities, driving the strategic and
operational objectives of local business unit. This role is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day management and monitoring of
operational performance, focusing on optimising manufacturing footprint, cost management, product quality, health & safety, environmental
standards, profitability, and investments. Key responsibilities include leading annual budgeting processes, conducting regular departmental
reviews, and fostering strong people and organisational management in alignment with key stakeholders.
Through both strategic and tactical initiatives, the Production Manager will establish a high-performance culture, encouraging
individual and team commitment to achieve the Company’s Purpose-Driven Strategy and operating plans.
Role & responsibilities:
Oversee Operational Budget & KPIs: Hold full accountability for the operations budget and KPIs across both manufacturing sites, ensuring alignment and responsibility is entrusted to all direct reports.
Resource Optimisation: Design and implement strategies to optimise material and labour resources across both facilities to achieve manufacturing targets efficiently. ·
Team Leadership & Development: Manage all manufacturing personnel to ensure budgetary and scheduling goals are met. Oversee hiring, orientation, and training processes to build and maintain a competent and motivated workforce at both sites. ·
Safety & Compliance: Ensure all operational employees adhere to quality, health & safety, and environmental standards across the dual sites. · Sustainability Initiatives: Drive sustainability efforts to meet organisational and regional environmental goals. ·
Equipment Maintenance: Schedule and oversee maintenance of production equipment and machinery to support efficient, uninterrupted operations across both facilities. ·
Efficiency Assessments: Collaborate with quality and engineering departments to identify and address mechanical and procedural limitations, maximising work efficiency. ·
Maintenance Process Optimisation: Continuously evaluate maintenance processes to enhance efficiency and manage procedures across both sites. · Supply Chain Collaboration: Work closely with the Supply Chain team to leverage internal and external expertise, drive efficiencies, and meet the demands of a changing market environment. ·
Operational Planning: Oversee operational planning across the two sites to ensure seamless production flow, drive efficiency, and meet demand. ·
Succession Planning: Monitor performance across both sites and develop a robust succession plan at all levels to support long-term talent growth and continuity. ·
European Collaboration & Best Practices: Work closely with the European Supply Chain Director to ensure contract manufacturers meet quality standards, share best practices across sites, and define the future supply chain model. · Technology & Innovation: Implement new technologies, automation, and lean manufacturing initiatives, staying abreast of trends to drive operational efficiency across both sites. ·
Cross-Functional Cooperation: Promote cross-functional collaboration and proactively address conflicts to foster a productive work environment. · Reporting & Operational Controls: In partnership with the Operations Director, develop and refine reporting systems, procedures, and operational controls to enable effective management and results delivery. ·
Objective Alignment & Reviews: Provide guidance to departmental managers during the annual review process, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. ·
Special Projects & Responsibilities: Execute specific projects and responsibilities as assigned by the Operations Director, completing all tasks in a timely and professional manner. ·
Communication & Teamwork: Actively participate in meetings and ongoing communication efforts to support teamwork, transparency, and cross-departmental cooperation for company objectives. ·
External Representation: Represent the company professionally with customers, suppliers, government agencies, professional associations, and internal colleagues, strengthening relationships and upholding company standards.
Functional knowledge:
Operational Management Expertise: In-depth knowledge of daily operational management within a manufacturing environment,
including production planning, resource allocation, and facility oversight, particularly in managing dual-site operations.
Budgeting & Financial Acumen: Strong understanding of budgetary processes, cost control, and financial KPI management, with
the ability to drive cost efficiency while achieving production targets.
Quality & Compliance Standards: Comprehensive knowledge of quality control practices, health & safety regulations, and
environmental standards required in manufacturing, ensuring strict adherence across both facilities.
Sustainability Practices: Familiarity with sustainability initiatives and frameworks, with the capability to implement effective
strategies that align with organisational and regional environmental goals.
Human Resources & Workforce Development: Knowledge of HR practices related to recruiting, training, and managing a skilled
operational workforce, fostering a high-performance culture across sites.
Equipment & Maintenance Management: Expertise in production equipment and machinery maintenance, including scheduling
and preventive maintenance planning to minimise downtime and enhance operational efficiency.
· Lean Manufacturing & Process Improvement: Solid understanding of lean manufacturing principles, automation, and continuous
improvement practices to drive efficiencies, optimise processes, and reduce waste.
· Supply Chain Integration: Broad knowledge of supply chain principles, including collaboration with internal and external partners
to ensure streamlined operations, material availability, and efficient logistics.
· Cross-Functional Collaboration: Ability to work closely with other functions—such as Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Finance,
and Sales—to align operational activities with overall business goals.
· Technology & Industry Trends: Awareness of emerging manufacturing technologies, automation, and sector trends, ensuring
proactive implementation of innovative solutions to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
· People & Succession Planning: Proficiency in performance management and succession planning, with the ability to assess and
develop talent pipelines to meet future organisational needs.
· Strategic & Tactical Balance: Capacity to execute both strategic and tactical responsibilities, aligning day-to-day activities with
broader organizational goals and adapting to evolving business demands.