Operations Manager

Owensboro, KY $100,000 – $120,000 per year Full-Time | On-site

About the Role

gpac is working with a client company who is seeking a dynamic Operations Manager to join their ready-to-eat food manufacturing facility in Owensboro, KY. This leadership role is responsible for overseeing daily production and warehouse operations , ensuring safety, quality, compliance, and efficiency. As a key member of their site leadership team, the Operations Manager will supervise the Production Manager, drive continuous improvement initiatives, and support the Plant Manager with strategic growth projects.

What You’ll Do

Lead and manage all production and warehouse activities to achieve safety, quality, and delivery goals.

Supervise and develop department managers, ensuring performance accountability.

Monitor daily operations, making real-time decisions to optimize throughput and labor efficiency.

Partner with QA, Maintenance, Safety, and HR to ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, GMP, HACCP, and other regulatory standards.

Champion continuous improvement initiatives through lean manufacturing, waste reduction, and root cause analysis.

Collaborate with Planning and Procurement to maintain inventory accuracy, raw material flow, and scheduling.

Implement and track KPIs to identify trends and drive performance improvements.

Support the Plant Manager with audits, capital projects, and strategic initiatives.

Foster a culture of safety, accountability, and teamwork across all departments.

What We’re Looking For

Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Business, Food Science, or related field (or equivalent experience).

5+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing (ready-to-eat / perishable products preferred).

In-depth knowledge of food safety standards, GMPs, HACCP, and warehouse operations.

Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and deliver measurable results.

Strong organizational, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Bilingual (English / Spanish) a plus.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office; ERP systems (SAP, Oracle, or similar) experience preferred.

Work Environment

On-site at a food manufacturing facility.

Exposure to wet / cold environments, machinery, and production noise.

Ability to stand, walk, and move throughout the facility for extended periods.

Why Join Us?

This company provides the opportunity to be part of a  fun team dedicated to quality, safety, and continuous improvement. They offer competitive pay, leadership growth opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact in a fast-paced, growing food manufacturing environment.

If you're interested and serious, please send your confidential resume to Brittany at brittany.hamilton@gogpac.com for immediate consideration!

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.