The Plant Operations Manager provides leadership and direction to the plant in areas of responsibility including administration, production, processing, packaging, scheduling, sanitation, quality, purchasing, safety and environmental. He/she works with the Plant Manager and/or Operations Manager as the liaison between the Plant and other departments including Sales, Distribution, Corporate, and State and Federal Regulatory Personnel. Responsible for performance of production, packaging & receiving operations focusing on cost, quality, safety, & employee environment. Develop, troubleshoot, and improve manufacturing processes & equipment with assistance from Plant Managers and support teams. Monitor and oversee the quality of the finished product by maintaining the equipment and facility in a sanitary condition. Work with Maintenance and Engineering to coordinate and implement capital projects and maintenance activities. Provide leadership, direction, & guidance to production & supervisory personnel. Develop supervisors to support the plant. Ensure customer needs are met to include product performance, quality, cost, and timely shipment of orders. Develop a yearly budget with the Plant Manager. Monitor and control departmental costs in comparison with budgetary objectives. Promote & enforce safety programs and policies in order to reduce employee accidents and injuries. Conduct safety training. Promote & enforce GMP's, HACCP, quality & sanitation standards, to ensure product quality & integrity. Conduct quality training. Troubleshoot and lead problem solving initiatives through the facilitation of team meetings and on-the-floor leadership. Effectively change systems and update procedures through continuous improvement and effective communication. Responsible for the daily/weekly production schedules. Complete paperwork, including production/quality records, Master Sanitation lists, schedules, accident reports and investigations. Ensure the consistent application of company policies and procedures. Apply employee progressive disciplinary action in partnership with Human Resources. Directs the overall activities of the manufacturing facility to ensure customer orders are received, scheduled, and produced at the lowest possible cost to meet the customer's requirements while maintaining established safety and quality standards. Analyzes plant operations and key metrics to ensure that the facility maintains high quality and safety standards to continue to maintain our leadership position in the industry. Is responsible for expense management and control, including shrink, labor and overhead costs. Ensures that Standard Operating Procedures are developed and maintained for all aspects of the business. Cooperates in a cross-functional manner as a change agent with all departments within the Company. Engages in the typical responsibilities of a manager requiring planning, evaluating, organizing, integrating, and delegating. Provides management of employees directly or through supervisors to ensure effective selection, retention, development, disciplinary action and performance management. If a collective bargaining agreement exists, may participate in negotiations, grievances or other contract related activities and discussions. Adhere to the Saputo code of ethics and actively apply the Saputo values. Performs other duties as assigned. Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience. A minimum of 5 years hands-on plant experience in the dairy plant or food industry operations, with a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience. Familiarity with Good Manufacturing Practices. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and computer-based applications. Excellent verbal/written communication skills. Strong time management, ability to follow-up, communication, and organizational skills. Strong customer and quality focus. Ability to adapt to changing organizational and operational needs; ability to lead others through change. Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Skill in organization and prioritization, and attention to detail. Strong team player and leader with the ability to work across multiple functions and disciplines. Ability to select, lead, coach, influence, motivate, develop, engage and retain a team of employees. Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions. Ability to understand cost containment and budgetary principles. Ability to work flexible hours including weekends in support of plant operations.