Operations Manager

IRCA is a leading international provider of semi-finished ingredients for the bakery, pastry and gelato markets, serving independent producers as well as large food manufacturers (e.g. CPG). Core products include chocolate, chocolate decorations, creams, pastry mixes, gelato ingredients, and other bakery / pastry ingredients.

The Company, headquartered in Italy, was acquired by Advent International, the global Private Equity firm, in July 2022, and has a strong track record of growth over the last decade. IRCA has made 2 bolt-on acquisitions in the areas of candied fruits (Cesarin) and pistachio ingredients (Anastasi) in 2022, and recently entered exclusive negotiations to acquire a leading manufacturer of sweet and cereal products in Europe and the US. The target’s business focuses on high value add specialty ingredients for the Food Manufacturers segment, with a portfolio that incorporates a range of products including sweet particulates, chocolate confections, baked inclusions, variegates and fruit purées.

This transformative deal would create a global leader in the semi-finished ingredients industry, with 22 manufacturing facilities in Europe, US and Vietnam and a combined €1 billion of revenues (2022).

• Confers with Plant Manager on a daily basis to provide status updates regarding production, staffing, materials, maintenance, safety and quality.
• Confers with supporting department managers to establish production and quality control standards, develop budget and cost controls, and to obtain data regarding types, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates of products ordered.
• Develop a continuous improvement culture within the Production Department and support and drive related plant initiatives
• Develop a strong working knowledge of the financial reporting structure for the site and be able to present information during monthly financial overview.
• Responsible for conducting Lock Out-Tag Out verifications for all production staff.
• Create and facilitate training programs for the production staff. The training programs are to include but not be limited to, safety, quality, continuous improvement, etc., utilizing the Alchemy training system, OJT, and cross training.
• Plans and directs production activities and establishes production priorities for products in keeping with effective operations and cost factors.
• Coordinates production activities with procurement, maintenance, and quality control activities to obtain optimum production and utilization of human resources, machines, and equipment.
• Conducts Root Cause Analysis (RCA) for production, quality control, maintenance, and operational issues to determine causes of nonconformity with product specifications, and operating or production problems.
• Develops, implements and updates operating methods (Standard Operating Procedures, Work Instructions, Process Flow Diagrams) designed to establish a consistent process which will eliminate operating problems and improve product quality.
• Revises production schedules and priorities as result of equipment failure or operating problems.
• Consults with Maintenance personnel relative to modification of machines and equipment in order to improve safety, production and quality of products and prioritization of outstanding work orders.
• Coaches and mentors Production Shift Leaders and Production Operators in order to develop strong, well informed project teams.
• Responsible for addressing employee concerns and escalating issues to Human Resources as needed.
• Understand all Job Safety Hazards and comply with all department and plant Safety, GMP, Sanitation, Quality, and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Responsible for the overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of production staff. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems. Must demonstrate the ability to lead and develop employees into future leaders and create a culture of growth and development for all team members.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Associate degree required; Bachelor’s degree recommended; minimum of 6-8 years of related experience in a FDA/GMP manufacturing environment. Food manufacturing experience is a plus. 
• Strong supervisory skills, preferably in managing hourly non-exempt employees.
• Strong organizational and planning skills, must exhibit a sense of urgency in order to maximize job efficiency.
• Proven ability to lead through vision and values, and is comfortable communicating difficult messages to direct reports.
• Ability to perform gap analysis, identifying areas of opportunity and development for staff within the production department.  Ability to develop an action plan and execute to close the gaps identified.
• GMP, SQF, and HACCP experience required.
• Project management and continuous improvement experience required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with strong skills in Excel, MS Word, Powerpoint, and Kronos.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively lead a team to meet and surpass manufacturing KPI’s.
• Ability to write routine reports, SOP’s and correspondence.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups of internal customers such as employees, other department managers and Irca executive leaders.
• Must be able to resolve conflict, lead daily meetings, and participate in town halls meetings.
• Language Skills: Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
• Mathematical Skills: Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, proportions, percentages, area, circumference, and volume.
• Reasoning:  Ability to solve practical problems and deal with variable factors in situations where only limited standardization exists.
• Learn and practice the 8 Step Problem Solving Method and other Continuous Improvement principles.
• Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

We are proud to be an EEO/AA employer M/F/D/V. We maintain a drug-free workplace and perform pre-employment substance abuse testing. Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities