Job Description
FlexStaff is hiring a Food Operations Manager to join our client's team. The Plant Manager will oversee operations at their Bronx-based (moving to Moonachie NJ early 2026) kosher food manufacturing facility with over 130 employees. As a Food Operations Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring efficient production schedules, maintaining facility and equipment, and driving cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality products on time. This role reports directly to the CEO. Our client is looking for a “roll up your sleeves” type of manager, who will engage and support the team wherever necessary. This position requires flexibility, a strong sense of ownership and responsibility, and the ability to thrive in a small, multicultural team environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute production schedules aligned with customer orders and shipping deadlines.
- Lead, supervise, and motivate a team of 130+ factory employees, ensuring productivity, safety, and efficiency.
- Partner with mechanics/maintenance team to manage facilities and equipment, ensuring smooth and reliable production.
- Collaborate with FSQA and Sanitation teams to maintain a clean facility and uphold the highest food safety standards.
- Report directly to the CEO, communicating resource needs, production issues, and operational updates in real time.
- Coordinate closely with Sales, Logistics, and Procurement teams to ensure on-time supply and customer satisfaction.
- Work with HR to address employee issues, oversee training, and enforce company policies. Provide leadership and guidance to all plant staff.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in efficiency, cost management, and food quality.
- Ensure compliance with all safety, regulatory, and kosher requirements.
Qualifications
- Minimum 5 years of experience as an Operations or Plant Manager (or senior operations leadership role in food manufacturing).
- Strong leadership and people management skills with experience overseeing large teams.
- Solid understanding of food safety, sanitation, and quality standards (GMP, HACCP, etc.).
- Experience managing production planning, scheduling, and cross-department communication.
- Ability to troubleshoot facility and equipment issues in collaboration with mechanics/engineers.
- Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills (including timely reporting and updates).
- Hands-on leadership style: willing to be present on the production floor, not just directing from the office.
- Flexible and adaptable, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
- Open-minded and able to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse workplace.
Salary: $115,000-$125,000
Preferred Certifications (not required but a plus)
- HACCP Certification
- Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher)
- SQF Practitioner
- OSHA Training/Certification
- FSMA Compliance knowledge
Fire Safety Training/Certification