The Head of Operations is responsible for the entire end-to-end manufacturing process for our brand new, state-of-the-art, 24/6, gummi candy manufacturing plant in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin (Kenosha metro area, on Interstate 94, mid-way between Milwaukee and Chicago). Managing both the Production and Manufacturing process and the Packaging process, the Head of Operations role will directly manage those respective managers and leaders, as well as be responsible for production and packaging operations over all three shifts. This is a newly created role as we are excited to enter our third year of manufacturing in the United States.
Reporting directly to the Plant Director, and interacting regularly with the Chief Operations Officer of HARIBO of America, the Head of Operations will be the site champion for advanced manufacturing processes. This role will be accountable for delivering the set established site goals and KPIs. This role is a champion for a people-centric, continuous improvement culture and is key to our current state and future continued growth and expansion of our first ever North American factory.
Responsibilities:
- Responsible for leading both the Production/Manufacturing and Packaging teams for HARIBO of America, directly manage the managers of those functions
- Initiate and lead change, encourage and promote flexibility, anticipate change, drive organizational learning, see the bigger picture, scan and monitor organizational environment, envision continuous organizational future
- Lead the development and deployment of strategic plans and implement production and productivity plans with a continuous improvement mindset
- Coach Managers and Shift Supervisors in their ability to resolve problems and triage issues, escalating to the Plant Director when necessary
- Develop or revise standard operational and working practices
- Facilitate high-level people situations, in partnership with the Human Resources team
- Serve as a member of the Plant Leadership team
- Partner and work cross-functionally with other departments and functions including Quality Assurance, SHE-Safety, Health, Environmental, Engineering & Maintenance, Human Resources, Supply Chain, and other departments
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree in Business, Management, Operations, Food Technology, Supply Chain, or other fields
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing
- 5+ years of experience in Managerial, Supervisory level experience, leading people within a manufacturing environment
- Demonstrated understanding of GMPs - Good Manufacturing Processes
- Understanding of FDA food regulations
- Ability to travel domestically
- Ability to travel internationally, potentially several times per year. Spending time away from home for two to three weeks at a time, to visit other HARIBO manufacturing plants globally
Preferred Qualifications
- MBA, Master's Degree, or advanced degree
- SAP experience
- FSSC 22000 / ISO 22000 knowledge
- HACCP Certification and/or experience
- Lean certifications or related trainings
- Understanding of Six Sigma, Kaizen, or Lean methodologies
HARIBO of America, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and maintains a Drug-Free Workplace. Employment at HARIBO of America, Inc. is subject to post offer, pre-employment drug testing. The Company’s policy is not to discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age (40 and over), disability, military status, including protected veteran status, genetic information or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. HARIBO also prohibits harassment of applicants or employees based on any of these protected categories. It is also HARIBO’s policy to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws respecting consideration of unemployment status in making hiring decisions.
HARIBO is committed to recruiting, hiring and promoting people with disabilities and veterans. If you need an accommodation to assist with completing the electronic application, please contact the location for which you are applying and ask to speak with the human resources representative or email careers-us@Haribo.com.
