Area Operations Manager - Food Manufacturing Eau Claire, WI

Area Operations Manager
- Food Manufacturing
- Base Salary to 88k/year
- Eau Claire, WI

• Our client, a well-established food manufacturer with more than 100 years of industry success, is seeking an Area Operations Manager to lead key manufacturing and warehouse operations within a high-volume food production environment.
• This leadership role is responsible for overseeing receiving, production, packaging, and shipping operations while driving safety, food quality, productivity, and customer service objectives. The Area Operations Manager will lead cross‑functional teams, develop frontline employees, and support continuous improvement initiatives that strengthen operational performance and food safety standards.

• Lead and develop production and warehouse teams to achieve safety, quality, productivity, and service goals.
• Manage staffing, scheduling, and workforce utilization to support operational requirements.
• Oversee receiving, production, packaging, and shipping activities within a food manufacturing environment.
• Ensure effective utilization of personnel, equipment, and materials to maximize efficiency and throughput.
• Maintain a visible presence on the production floor, providing coaching, accountability, and leadership support.
• Partner with operations leadership and cross‑functional departments to align plant objectives and drive operational performance.
• Analyze operational metrics and identify opportunities to improve safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
• Conduct root cause investigations and implement corrective actions to address operational issues.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on process optimization, waste reduction, and operational excellence.
• Support and reinforce food safety, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance programs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, employee engagement, and continuous improvement.

• 2+ years of experience in a food manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading manufacturing, production, warehouse, packaging, shipping, or distribution operations.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop hourly and salaried employees in a production setting.
• Experience working cross‑functionally with operations, quality, maintenance, warehouse, and supply chain teams.
• Strong problem‑solving, critical thinking, and root cause analysis skills.
• Experience driving operational performance related to safety, quality, productivity, and customer service metrics.
• Knowledge of food manufacturing processes, food safety standards, and quality systems.
• Ability to communicate effectively with employees, supervisors, and cross‑functional stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong decision‑making skills with the ability to adapt to changing operational priorities.
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence teams, and maintain accountability across diverse work groups.

• Base salary in the 82k - 88k/year range
• Bonus opportunity of 30-35%
• Company‑funded pension
• 401k
• Medical, dental, and life insurance
• Four weeks of paid time off