Food Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs (NOW HIRING)

At Chart, we design and build some of the world’s most advanced cryogenic equipment—that’s how our “Cooler By Design®” tagline was born. But it’s not just our technology that’s cool. It’s our people. We solve complex problems as a team, making us truly Cooler Together. And with the addition of Howden to the Chart family, we’re Stronger Together, too. 

Our customers don’t simply bring us equipment specs—they bring us challenges. That’s where you come in. From concept and design to installation and commissioning, you’ll help create solutions that support a wide range of industries and applications.

• Launching rockets into space
• Delivering Nexus of Clean™ solutions for clean water, clean power, clean food, and clean industrials
• Powering the carbonation in your favorite fast-food beverage
• Making nitro coffee and even nitro ice cream possible

Want to see our impact in action? Explore Chart City: https://chartcity.chartindustries.com/.  We’re looking for bright, driven talent excited to build a career in an evolving, high‑growth industry. Along with competitive compensation and meaningful work, Chart offers development programs designed to grow future leaders. That could be you. If you’re passionate about design engineering and think a career at Chart sounds pretty cool, let’s talk.

The Manufacturing Operations Manager, located at our Stafford, TX location is responsible for overseeing daily operations, ensuring efficient use of resources, and delivering high-quality products that meet customer and business expectations. This role leads manufacturing and rebuild projects, drives continuous improvement initiatives, and ensures compliance with health, safety, and company standards. The manager also supports business development, manages inventory, and maintains effective communication across teams and with customers. A key focus is on developing talent and fostering a culture of accountability and operational excellence.

• Oversee the daily planning, implementation and maintenance of the manufacturing equipment and service activities on-site to meet customer and business expectations.
• Ensure the effective use of materials, equipment and personnel in producing quality products at minimum costs.
• Select, develop, and evaluate personnel to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the function.

Accountabilities

• Ensure a health and safety environment at the Service Center (entire site) by working intensively with the team to implement Howden HSE procedures and standards.
• Responsible for the deployment of the continuous improvement culture at the organization to deliver on customer and business demands.
• Oversee the daily management of the rebuild and manufacturing projects to meet internal and external customer specifications and Aftermarket requirements.
• Responsible for execution activities including parts and rebuilds making sure they are delivered on time to the customers as well as contains the required scope quality and supply.
• Responsible for supporting business development opportunities into new markets that match business objectives.
• Ensure that appropriate reporting, financial, operational controls and KPI’s are in place to measure and protect business interests and to provide notice of the need for redirection.
• Effectively communicates with staff and upholds compliance on overall company policies, procedures, business issues and other relevant information.
• Maintains effective communication with Aftermarket team regarding project deliverables and issues, customer requirements, specifications, and product development.  
• Act as contractual liaison between company associates and customers, ensuring timely review and approval / reconciliation of variations.   
• Manage inventory to meet anticipated ordering needs of customers; and meet inventory level adjustment requirements as directed.
• Actively develop talent within your department and work directly with HR on employee relations.

Must be willing to travel approximately 10% of the time, mostly to Chart Aftermarket site

• Bachelor’s Degree in business, engineering or equivalent experience
• Experience as a plant manager with P&L responsibility
• 10 years of management experience in a business, manufacturing, and/or assembly environment
• Hands on experience implementing continuous improvement processes
• Knowledge of manufacturing performance indicators such as productivity, utilization, and efficiency
• Understanding of manufacturing operations including production principles (capacity planning and plant loading), inventory management, quality systems, and purchasing functions
• Mature understanding of financial principles
• Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with employees
• Strong interpersonal skills – active listener, clear and concise communicator (both oral and written)
• Motivational leader and effective manager
• Ability to organize and manage multiple projects and people simultaneously
• Knowledge of ERP/MRP systems

Desired

• Knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining, fabrication, welding, assembly, and product testing
• Knowledge of compliance to ISO 9001:2015 standards
• Rotating and/or gas and air handling equipment experience
• 5 years of experience in managing the servicing of highly engineered equipment and products
• A solid understanding of the product offerings of Chart & Howden customer base

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• Employer contributions to an HSA account

• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)

• Company-paid short-term and long-term disability coverage

• Basic life insurance with the option to purchase supplemental individual, spouse and dependent child coverage

• Up to two weeks of paid parental leave

• 401k retirement savings plan including a company match