Knowledge Operations Manager Jobs in Carthage, IL

Join the TEAM at Western Smokehouse Partners!

We're more than just a leader in the better-for-you meat snack industry-we're a team driven by quality, innovation and a passion for great meat sticks and jerky. With eight facilities across five states, we're setting the standard in excellence for our co-manufacturing and private label customers. As we continue to grow, we're looking for highly motivated individuals who want to be part of an industry-leading company that values contribution, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Western Smokehouse Partners is looking for anOperations Manager.

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily production and operational activities within the facility (Packaging/Processing). This role ensures safe, efficient, and compliant manufacturing operations while meeting quality standards, production targets, and cost objectives. The Operations Manager leads crossfunctional teams, drives continuous improvement, and maintains compliance with food safety regulations. This position reports directly to the Plant Manager and plays a critical leadership role in driving production performance, food safety, employee engagement, and continuous improvement initiatives

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Direct and manage all production activities across RAW and RTE.
• Ensure production schedules are executed efficiently to meet customer demand, service levels, and inventory targets.
• Monitor daily production performance and implement corrective actions to achieve throughput, yield, and labor efficiency goals.
• Coordinate cross-functional activities between Production, Quality Assurance, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Warehouse teams.
• Lead daily production meetings and communicate key performance metrics and priorities.

Food Safety & Quality

• Maintain compliance with USDA, FDA, HACCP, SSOP, GMP, SQF/BRC, and customer-specific requirements.
• Foster a strong food safety and quality culture throughout the facility.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to investigate and resolve product quality issues, customer complaints, and non-conformances.
• Ensure traceability, sanitation, allergen control, and environmental monitoring programs are effectively executed.
• Participate in corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Promote a safety-first culture and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety standards.
• Conduct safety audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations.
• Ensure employee adherence to lockout/tagout, PPE, machine guarding, and other safety programs.
• Drive continuous reduction in OSHA recordable incidents and workers' compensation claims.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, coach, and develop Production Supervisors, team leaders, and hourly associates.
• Establish performance expectations and accountability measures.
• Conduct performance evaluations and develop succession plans.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and retention initiatives.
• Build a high-performing culture focused on engagement, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, yield, labor utilization, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or similar methodologies to drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze production data and implement process enhancements.
• Lead waste reduction and cost improvement initiatives.

Financial & KPI Management

• Manage department budgets and operating expenses.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including:
  • Yield
  • Throughput
  • Labor Efficiency
  • Downtime
  • First-Pass Quality
  • Customer Service Levels
  • Safety Metrics
• Develop and execute action plans to meet budget and profitability goals.

Maintenance & Equipment Reliability

• Partner with Maintenance to maximize equipment uptime and reliability.
• Support preventive and predictive maintenance programs.
• Participate in capital project planning, equipment selection, installation, and startup activities.
• Ensure production readiness and capacity planning.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Meat Science, Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and manufacturing leadership experience considered.

Experience

• Minimum 3-5+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing.
• At least 2 years managing supervisors and production teams in a USDA-regulated facility.
• Experience with meat processing, protein manufacturing, snack foods, or meat stick production strongly preferred.
• Proven track record of improving operational performance, safety, and quality metrics.

Knowledge & Skills

• Strong understanding of:
  • Meat processing operations
  • Thermal processing and smoking systems
  • HACCP, SQF/BRC, GMPs, and regulatory compliance
  • USDA food manufacturing requirements
  • Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement principles
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong analytical and organizational abilities.
• Proficiency with ERP systems, Microsoft Office, and manufacturing KPI reporting tools.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and lift up to 50 lbs. during quality and sanitation inspections.
• Work is performed in a production facility with exposure to varying temperatures and manufacturing conditions.
• Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) is required in designated areas.

Additional Information

• Other duties may be assigned based on business needs.
• This role is essential to maintaining operational excellence and supporting company growth.

Benefits Offered

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off and holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Equal Employment Opportunity

Western Smokehouse Partners is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

If you're looking for a workplace where you're valued, supported, and where you'll be a part of a team that's shaping the future of meat snacks, we'd love to have you join us!