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Operations Manager

Reports To: Plant Manager / General Manager

About Maco PKG

Maco PKG is a leader in custom flexible packaging and contract packaging solutions, supporting customers across a wide range of industries. We are looking for a driven and experienced Operations Manager to oversee day-to-day production in our Newark facility.

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production. This role provides leadership to production teams, manages resources, drives continuous improvement, and ensures compliance with company policies, regulatory requirements, and customer expectations. The Operations Manager plays a key role in meeting production targets, controlling costs, and supporting overall plant performance.

This role is responsible for leading and developing a team of supervisors to ensure safe, efficient, consistent manufacturing operations and good manufacturing practices. The ideal candidate will have experience working in ISO 9001:2015 and/or SQF Level 3 certified manufacturing environments and will support audit readiness.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

+ Direct and manage day-to-day manufacturing operations through Production Supervisors and Line Leaders.

+ Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining quality, safety, and cost objectives.

+ Develop, implement, and continuously improve standard operating procedures (SOPs) and production controls.

+ Collaborate with Planning, Maintenance, Quality, and Engineering to optimize production flow and equipment reliability.

+ Monitor production performance and key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

+ Identify operational issues and implement corrective and preventive actions.

+ Drive continuous improvement initiatives using lean manufacturing, waste reduction, and process optimization techniques.

+ Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory requirements, including ISO, GMP, food safety, and internal quality standards (as applicable).

+ Manage labor planning, staffing levels, training, and cross-training to support operational flexibility.

+ Oversee employee performance management, including coaching, mentoring, disciplinary actions, and development planning.

+ Promote a strong safety culture and ensure adherence to all safety policies and procedures.

+ Coordinate with Sales, Customer Service, and Account Management to support customer requirements and on-time delivery.

+ Analyze production data and prepare reports for plant leadership and corporate management.

+ Participate in capital planning and recommend equipment or process improvements.

+ Support new product introductions, trials, and process validation activities.

+ Ensure compliance with company policies, attendance standards, and timekeeping requirements.

+ Promote equal employment opportunity, diversity, and an inclusive workplace culture.

Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.

+ Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with demonstrated leadership responsibility.

+ Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, production planning, and quality systems.

+ Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and performance metrics.

+ Working knowledge of safety regulations and regulatory standards relevant to the industry.

+ Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and drive results.

+ Strong problem-solving, communication, and organizational skills.

Physical and Work Environment Requirements

+ Ability to work in a manufacturing environment, including exposure to noise, equipment, and varying temperatures.

+ Ability to walk the production floor for extended periods and occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.

+ Flexibility to work extended hours, off-shifts, or weekends as business needs require.

Key Competencies

+ Leadership and team development

+ Operational excellence

+ Continuous improvement mindset

+ Safety and quality focus

+ Strategic thinking with hands-on execution