Job Description

Are you an operational leader in the food manufacturing space looking for an opportunity to shape the future of a plant rather than just maintain the status quo?

We are seeking a high-energy, results-driven Operations Manager to lead daily plant operations for a rapidly growing, highly stable food manufacturer in Evansville, IN. Operating out of a state-of-the-art facility that is only about a year old, this role offers a rare chance to get hands-on with operations, build and mentor your leadership team, implement continuous improvement, and make a lasting impact on a 1,000+ employee site.

The company has built a national reputation for stability, is completely recession-resistant, and actively invests in its workforce and facility upgrades.

Key Responsibilities

• Plant Leadership: Direct daily plant operations across all three shifts to achieve safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance goals.
• Team Development: Directly oversee production teams, mentor and develop front-line supervisors, and optimize labor and staffing strategy.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitor KPIs and drive lean/continuous improvement initiatives to increase efficiency and throughput.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Warehouse/Logistics, and senior leadership to keep peak operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of operational leadership experience within Food & Beverage Manufacturing (High-volume/multi-shift experience strongly preferred).
• Strong track record of team development, employee retention, and building a strong safety/quality culture.
• Proven ability to execute continuous improvement/Lean manufacturing initiatives and manage operational KPIs.
• Excellent cross-functional communication and crisis-management skills.

Perks & Culture

• Career Growth: High visibility with clear advancement pathways as the organization continues its rapid expansion.
• Workplace Culture: Collaborative, team-oriented, and rewarding—including employee appreciation perks like free team lunch every Monday!
• Competitive Package: Excellent compensation, comprehensive health benefits, and retirement package.

Jory Ridenhour

Search Consultant

gpac Manufacturing

Call/Text: (314) 675-4172

Email: jory.ridenhour@gogpac.com gogpac.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.