Manufacturing Operations Manager Jobs in Merced, CA

This role is part of our Purina Animal Nutrition business helping our network of local cooperatives, independent dealers and other large retailers serve producers, and animal owners throughout the United States. Through industry -leading R&D and committed partnerships, we innovate the nutrition products and practices that unlock the full potential of every animal for a healthier, more productive life. 

The Operations Manager is responsible for ensuring and improving the performance, productivity, efficiency, and profitability of departmental and organizational Production through the provision of effective methods and strategies. Lead and supervise Production Supervisors. Establish, lead, and manage operational strategizing, budget management, and logistics management to ensure best practices. Fosters collaboration and teamwork.  Gains support and commitment from within plant departments, as well as with other divisions within the organization. Supports Land O'Lakes values and integrity in all plant activities. Promotes an environment for open and timely communication and actively enlists input from others and responds to others respectfully.

Essential Functions:

• ​Lead and develop Production Supervisors and production teams to ensure performance expectations, productivity, and safety standards are met.
• Manage daily manufacturing operations to achieve production, quality, labor, and cost targets.
• Oversee staffing, employee development, performance management, and training to maintain a strong workforce.
• Partner with Plant Leadership, Maintenance, and Quality teams to improve operational efficiency, inventory utilization, and production processes.
• Ensure compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards while promoting a safe work environment.
• Analyze operational challenges and implement process improvements to increase efficiency and reduce costs.
• Support strategic planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives across the plant.
• Foster collaboration, accountability, and open communication across departments and teams.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Traits:

• Strong Microsoft Office suite and written communication skills
• Conveys information clearly and effectively in both written and verbal format.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to motivate and direct others.
• Make decisions that show an understanding of the issues.
• Ability to handle multiple demands and shifting priorities.
• Ability to supervise and provide training, develop standards, and manage processes.
• Ability to work within a team environment. (Active listening, ability to influence a positive employee environment, ability to influence change and lead those who oppose change)

Required Experience/Education:

• High school diploma/GED
• 5+ years supervisory experience in a food or feed manufacturing environment with increasing responsibility and scope, i.e. strategic planning, project management, supervision, training, etc. will be accepted in lieu of coursework.

Preferred Experience/Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field
• 7+ years supervisory experience in a feed manufacturing facility

Salary: $81,200 - $121,800

In most cases, candidates offered employment can expect to be hired at a pay rate near the middle of our salary ranges

About Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Join us and be part of a Fortune 250, farmer- and member-owned cooperative that is reimagining the business of food. We have been named a Top Workplace by Indeed and LinkedIn, and to the TIME 100 Most Influential Companies list.

Benefits for most full-time roles include medical, dental, vision, PTO, life & disability insurance, education assistance, a 401k and a variety of well-being resources. Most part-time employees are eligible for prorated PTO, holiday pay, employee development programs, prorated education assistance, and a 401(k).

Land O'Lakes, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE) M/F/Vets/Disabled. The company maintains a drug-free workforce, including post-employment substance abuse testing pursuant to a Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Neither Land O’Lakes, nor its search firms, will ever contact you and ask for confidential information over the phone or in email. If you receive a call or email like this, please do not provide the information being requested. 

Land O'Lakes does not use Automated Decision-Making Technology, as defined by California law, to substantially replace human decision-making or make significant decisions about applications for employment or contracting opportunities.