Operations Manager

Operations & Production Manager Burlington, VT (Old North End) — Full-time

You'll spend some days in production and others fixing the processes behind it — this isn't a manage-from-a-distance role.

We're a handmade, small-batch energy bar company in Burlington, making bars here for over 15 years.

In this role, you'll own the systems that keep things running—inventory, scheduling, fulfillment, and process improvement—while staying close enough to production to actually understand what needs help or improvement.

The right person for this role likes understanding how things work, stepping into the details when needed, and steadily improving how things are done.

Production & Team Leadership

• Work directly in production and help lead daily operations
• Support and supervise a small team (full-time and part-time employees)
• Assist with hiring, training, and coaching staff
• Ensure consistent quality and food safety standards

Inventory & Purchasing

• Manage ingredient and packaging inventory
• Forecast needs and place supply orders
• Help reduce waste and improve production planning

Fulfillment Oversight

• Oversee order fulfillment and support fulfillment staff
• Improve accuracy, speed, and consistency of shipping processes
• Help streamline packing and order flow systems

Farmers Markets

• Ensure farmers markets are fully staffed, scheduled, and run smoothly

Systems & Process Improvement

• Develop and improve standard operating procedures (SOPs)
• Identify inefficiencies in production and fulfillment
• Build better systems to help the business scale

Facilities & Maintenance Coordination

• Identify facility and equipment issues
• Coordinate with contractors for repairs and maintenance
• Maintain basic preventative maintenance schedules

Candidates will typically have 2–4 years of experience in one or more of the following areas, though we care more about demonstrated responsibility and ownership than specific job titles or years of experience:

• Operations, production, warehouse, manufacturing, food production, or similar environments
• Leading or supervising a team (formal or informal leadership experience both count)
• Managing or supporting inventory, scheduling, or workflow systems
• Improving processes, reducing inefficiencies, or helping build systems (SOPs a plus)

We are especially interested in people who naturally take ownership, notice problems, and improve how things run—regardless of their formal title or background.

You'll likely be a great fit if you:

• Enjoy organizing and improving how things work
• Are comfortable being both hands-on and in a leadership role
• Take ownership and follow through without needing close supervision
• Like solving operational problems and reducing chaos
• Can lead a small team in a practical, supportive way
• Are interested in building systems, not just maintaining them

• $58,000–$62,000 annually, depending on experience
• Performance bonus: up to $2,000–$4,000 annually
• Health benefit stipend available
• Paid time off and holidays

This role is designed to grow over time. As you take on more responsibility and help strengthen the operation, there will be opportunities for increased compensation and expanded leadership.

This is a small, established business where your work will have a direct and visible impact every day. Our entire operation — production and fulfillment — fits in two rooms, about 1,200 sq ft total, so you'll be working in close quarters with the team every day. You won't be one layer in a large organization; you'll be central to how the operation runs.

Pay: $58,000.00 - $62,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Employee discount
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location:

In person