Operations Manager (Food Manufacturing)

Career Guide
Oversees daily plant operations in food manufacturing, ensuring safe, efficient production that meets quality and regulatory standards. Plans schedules, manages staffing, inventory, and budgets, and leads continuous improvement to hit output, safety, and cost targets.

Key Responsibilities

  • Own production planning, scheduling, and capacity management
  • Manage HACCP, GMP, and FSMA programs; lead audits (SQF/BRCGS)
  • Track OEE and KPIs; drive continuous improvement and cost reduction
  • Oversee staffing, training, and labor planning across shifts
  • Coordinate maintenance and TPM to minimize downtime
  • Ensure OSHA/EHS compliance and incident prevention
  • Manage raw material inventory, yields, and waste reduction

Career Progression

Can Lead To
Plant Manager
Director of Operations (Manufacturing)
Director of Manufacturing
Transition Opportunities
Supply Chain Manager
Quality Assurance/Food Safety Manager
Continuous Improvement Manager
Production Planning Manager

Common Skill Gaps

Often Missing Skills
HACCP/FSMA program ownership and regulatory complianceSQF/BRCGS audit readiness and documentation controlOEE analysis and Lean problem-solving (DMAIC)ERP/MRP planning and shop-floor integration
Development SuggestionsComplete FSPCA PCQI and accredited HACCP courses, then shadow or support an SQF/BRC audit; build a sample OEE dashboard and run a Kaizen event to apply Lean methods in a plant setting.

Salary & Demand

Median Salary Range
Entry Level$75,000 - $95,000
Mid Level$100,000 - $125,000
Senior Level$130,000 - $165,000
Growth Trend
stable

Companies Hiring

Major Employers
Tyson FoodsNestlé USAGeneral Mills
Industry Sectors
Food & Beverage ManufacturingConsumer Packaged Goods (CPG)Meat & Poultry Processing

Recommended Next Steps

1
Earn HACCP and FSPCA PCQI credentials; add SQF Practitioner if your target employers are SQF-certified
2
Lead a measurable CI project (reduce changeover time or scrap) and document results with OEE/KPIs
3
Gain hands-on with an ERP/MRP (SAP or Oracle) via vendor training or a plant implementation project; highlight planning and BOM/routing use cases