Food Operations Manager

FlexStaff is hiring a Food Operations Manager to join our client's team. The Plant Manager will oversee operations at their Bronx-based (moving to Moonachie NJ early 2026) kosher food manufacturing facility with over 130 employees. As a Food Operations Manager, you will be responsible for ensuring efficient production schedules, maintaining facility and equipment, and driving cross-functional collaboration to deliver high-quality products on time. This role reports directly to the CEO. Our client is looking for a "
roll up your sleeves
" type of manager, who will engage and support the team wherever necessary. This position requires flexibility, a strong sense of ownership and responsibility, and the ability to thrive in a small, multicultural team environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute production schedules aligned with customer orders and shipping deadlines.
• Lead, supervise, and motivate a team of 130+ factory employees, ensuring productivity, safety, and efficiency.
• Partner with mechanics/maintenance team to manage facilities and equipment, ensuring smooth and reliable production.
• Collaborate with FSQA and Sanitation teams to maintain a clean facility and uphold the highest food safety standards.
• Report directly to the CEO, communicating resource needs, production issues, and operational updates in real time.
• Coordinate closely with Sales, Logistics, and Procurement teams to ensure on-time supply and customer satisfaction.
• Work with HR to address employee issues, oversee training, and enforce company policies. Provide leadership and guidance to all plant staff.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives in efficiency, cost management, and food quality.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, regulatory, and kosher requirements.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of experience as an Operations or Plant Manager (or senior operations leadership role in food manufacturing).
• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience overseeing large teams.
• Solid understanding of food safety, sanitation, and quality standards (GMP, HACCP, etc.).
• Experience managing production planning, scheduling, and cross-department communication.
• Ability to troubleshoot facility and equipment issues in collaboration with mechanics/engineers.
• Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills (including timely reporting and updates).
• Hands-on leadership style: willing to be present on the production floor, not just directing from the office.
• Flexible and adaptable, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Open-minded and able to work effectively in a multicultural and diverse workplace.

Salary:
$115,000-$125,000

Preferred Certifications (not required but a plus)

• HACCP Certification
• Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher)
• SQF Practitioner
• OSHA Training/Certification
• FSMA Compliance knowledge

Fire Safety Training/Certification