We are always looking for talented, hardworking people to join the E.A. Sween family. We are a third-generation family-owned organization that understands the significance of our employees and that we are successful due to our incredibly committed team. We are excited to announce the search for our next team member for our brand-new manufacturing facility in Greenwood County, South Carolina! We are looking for a driven and dedicated individual to join our growing team as the Production Operations Manager. This is an exciting opportunity for the right individual to make an immediate impact and play a pivotal role in the start-up of our new facility. The future is bright at E.A. Sween Company and we invite you to come grow with us!

The Production Operations Manager provides leadership and direction for production operations at E.A. Sween’s South Carolina manufacturing facility. This position is responsible for the execution of all production activities including but not limited, employee safety, adherence to quality standards, productivity, staffing levels, scheduling, and expense control. The POM is an integral leader of the manufacturing operation and will work collaboratively with all members of the Plant Leadership Team and corporate resources to meet production requirements. Establishing processes and procedures for production activities to meet production standard rates and scheduled production volumes are critical success factors for this position. As a leader in an organization dedicated to employee development, the POM will be a champion of development initiatives and will provide meaningful support in building a dedicated team situated for future growth.

Essential Competencies:

Operations

• Ownership of plant production activities; Scheduling, Staffing, Maintaining Food Safety & Quality Standards, improvement activities, and coordinating with other departments to meet production requirements.
• Develops and documents operation processes and standard work, such as workflows, cycle times, position responsibilities, and system performance.
• Directs reporting of manufacturing cost controls, cost estimates, capacity plan, human capital, and facility requirements.
• Inspires and motivates the team to remain focused on safety, the customer, and quality.
• Develops, reviews, modifies, and implements operating systems in safety, quality, general manufacturing practices and best management practices.

Financial Management

• Tracks production labor costs versus productivity to develop plans for least cost production and meet company’s short-term and long-term Operations management/production control requirements.
• Evaluates and recommends facility capital expenditures and projects, review results upon completion (including cost benefits).

Continuous Improvement

• Drives customer and employee success by seeking opportunities for improvement.
• Analyzes data and key metrics to achieve and maintain operational efficiencies.
• Recognizes the need and enlists Subject Matter Experts or other resources when needed to provide solutions to improve productivity and reduce waste in production processes.
• Uses the Spirit of EA Sween to guide decisions.

Leadership

• Lives the Spirit of E.A. Sween and holds team members accountable to do the same.
• Provides direction, development, and leadership to the Plant Operations team to accomplish the company’s performance management goals and objectives.
• Trains and develops plant leaders and professional staff to build bench strength to support new and existing processes and helps achieve plant operation function and company goals.
• Evaluates employee skills and performance, making appropriate recommendations.
• Creates a workplace climate that fosters respect, teamwork, open communication, and professional recognition.

Research & Development

• Collaborates and supports new or revised product development execution to introduce new products and formulations.
• Communicates effectively with R&D, Production, Quality, Marketing, Sales, and other departments to resolve issues and ensure smooth commercialization of new or revised products.
• Develops and maintains industry expertise in support of new and existing processes.
• Oversees analysis of replacement or alternate raw/packaging materials in support of cost down and stable supply initiatives.
• May travel to other facilities in support of product development, product transfer, process improvement and cost down projects.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS degree in Food Technology, Business Administration, or related field of study
• 5+ years of demonstrated experience successfully leading plant production operations
• Project management skills
• Ability to think critically and to prioritize while quickly resolving problems
• Exposure to new production line start-up procedures
• Excellent communication and conflict management skills
• Ability to identify production deficiencies and devise methods to correct the issues
• Computer skills including ERP, MS Teams, MS Excel, MS Word, and various other software
• Strong combination of strategic vision and ability to be "hands-on" in production operations

Preferred Qualifications:

• Management or Science degree desirable; Masters or MBA desirable
• Food and beverage industry experience in a manufacturing environment
• Experience with plant/line start-ups and/or hiring for expansion
• Bilingual ability

E.A. Sween is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Minority/Female/Veteran/Disability