Manufacturing Consultant

Travel Required: up to 100%, entirely client driven

Type of Position: Full-Time, benefits, 401K, etc.

Synergetics is a boutique consulting firm specializing in operational transformation, technology enablement, and change management. With 40 employees working remotely and at client sites nationwide, we partner with leading organizations to drive measurable operational improvements and sustainable business results.

We are seeking an experienced Operations Consultant with deep expertise in food manufacturing to join our growing team. This role requires hands-on experience analyzing and improving shop floor operations, production processes, and manufacturing procedures in food production environments. You will work directly with clients to identify inefficiencies, design solutions, and drive operational excellence across their manufacturing operations.

In this role, you'll conduct comprehensive operational assessments of food manufacturing facilities, diving deep into process flow analysis, capacity studies, and bottleneck identification to uncover opportunities for improvement. You'll spend significant time on the shop floor evaluating operations, equipment utilization, production scheduling, and workflow efficiency, working side-by-side with plant teams to understand how work actually gets done. Your analysis of manufacturing processes and procedures will focus on optimizing throughput, reducing waste, and improving product quality through practical, implementable solutions.

You'll develop data-driven recommendations for operational improvements that may include process redesign, layout optimization, and enhancements to standard operating procedures. Building strong relationships with plant managers, production supervisors, and floor personnel is essential as you work to understand current state operations and implement sustainable changes that stick. You'll lead project workstreams focused on operational transformation, often managing multiple client engagements simultaneously while maintaining quality and attention to detail across all your work.

Creating detailed process documentation, standard work instructions, and performance metrics will be a key part of how you support continuous improvement initiatives at client sites. You'll facilitate workshops and working sessions with client teams to build their internal capability and drive adoption of new ways of working. Presenting findings and recommendations to client leadership teams, including C-suite executives, requires you to translate complex operational details into clear business value. Through implementation, you'll support clients in tracking progress and measuring results against established KPIs, ensuring that improvements deliver the intended impact.

You have 5-10 years of consulting or industry experience in food manufacturing operations, with demonstrated expertise conducting process analysis and operational assessments on the shop floor in food production environments. Your strong understanding of food manufacturing operations encompasses production planning, quality control, food safety requirements, and regulatory compliance including FSMA, HACCP, and GMP standards. You've built a proven track record of identifying and implementing operational improvements that deliver measurable business results.

Your excellent analytical and problem-solving skills enable you to synthesize complex operational data into actionable insights that resonate with both technical and business audiences. You have strong interpersonal and communication skills that allow you to build credibility equally well with plant floor personnel and executive leadership. You're proficient with process mapping, data analysis, and presentation tools such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Visio or similar software. You hold a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Food Science, or a related field, and you're willing to travel extensively (up to 100%) to client sites across the United States; the travel is soley client driven.

What Would Make You Stand Out

Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies would strengthen your candidacy, particularly if you hold Green Belt or Black Belt certification. Knowledge of manufacturing execution systems (MES), (MOS), ERP systems, or production planning software demonstrates technical depth that clients value. If you have experience in specific food manufacturing segments such as packaged foods, dairy, beverages, meat processing, or baking, you'll bring valuable industry context to client engagements. An advanced degree such as an MBA or MS in a relevant field, or previous experience with consulting firms or professional services organizations, would round out an already strong profile.

We provide a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision insurance. Our 401(k) plan includes a company match to support your long-term financial goals. You'll enjoy flexible work arrangements when not at client sites, allowing you to work from wherever makes sense for you. We invest in our people through professional development opportunities and support for continued education and certifications. Our collaborative culture gives you exposure to diverse client projects and industries, and our small firm environment means you'll have direct access to leadership and significant career growth potential.

This position is primarily remote when not at client sites, with travel to food manufacturing facilities required 100% of the time by client direction. Projects typically run 3-6 months, and you may work at multiple client locations during the year.

Synergetics is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

• Exposure to diverse industries and complex business challenges
• Mentorship from experienced consulting professionals
• Opportunities to lead workstreams and client engagements
• Support for professional certifications and continued education
• Clear career progression path from Consultant to Senior Consultant to Manager and beyond
• Small firm environment with direct access to leadership and significant career growth potential

Competitive base salary commensurate with experience, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision through Anthem), 401(k) retirement plan with match, Unlimited PTO policy, Life insurance and AD&D coverage, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and flexible work arrangements when not traveling

Synergetics is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. Synergetics participates in the E-Verify program.

This position is primarily remote when not at client sites, with travel to food manufacturing facilities required almost a 100% of the time because it is dependent on the client. Projects typically run 3-6 months, and you may work at multiple client locations during the year.

Synergetics is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in our workforce. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates.

At Synergetics Installations Worldwide, we believe our people are our greatest asset. For nearly five decades, we've helped transform businesses from small enterprises to global Fortune 500 leaders through hands-on, results-driven consulting. You may not know our name, but you've definitely heard of the companies we've helped grow. We're a boutique, owner-led firm known for our authenticity, agility, and integrity. Our culture is built on trust, respect, honesty, authenticity, and teamwork, and we're growing. Synergetics is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and equitable environment for all employees. We participate in the E-Verify program following offer acceptance (Employees Only)