Assistant Plant Operations Manager – Fresh Food Manufacturing

Associate Facility Team Leader of Operations

This position requires experience in a food production setting, for RTEs and USDA onsite. Target budget is $115,000 plus bonus and RSUs. The Associate Facility Team Leader of Operations (AFTL) oversees all manufacturing and processing operations at the metro food production facility.

• Execute strategies and plans for fresh food manufacturing, supply chain management, environmental health and safety, product total quality management, manufacturing digitalization transformation, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure that a complex US Department of Agriculture (USDA) manufacturing facility operates safely and complies with regulatory and corporate safety and environmental program standards and goals.
• Lead facility-level operational excellence, production innovation, product craft at scale, assembly and packaging, and inbound and outbound.
• Oversee facility regulatory compliance, in close collaboration with the Executive Leader of Manufacturing Excellence, General Manager, and Asset Protection team.
• Motivate, direct, coach, and develop a high performing diverse and engaged team of leaders and skilled professionals to meet established goals and build organizational capability. Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented environment within the facility.
• Partner with the Executive Leader of Manufacturing Excellence, Facility Leadership, and Global Food Safety & Quality Assurance team to review food safety reports and take appropriate action.
• Ensure that the facility meets Whole Foods Market's high standards for safety, quality, and efficiency.
• Manage operational budgets to optimize expenditures and ensure cost effectiveness.
• Respond effectively to operational issues, emergencies, or unexpected events to minimize impact on operations and stakeholders.
• Execute recall process compliance and act as the main point of contact at the facility level.
• Interview, select, train, develop, and counsel Team Members in a way that builds and sustains a high-performing team and minimizes turnover. Execute training programs in partnership with the Executive Leader of Manufacturing Excellence, Facility Leadership, and the Learning & Development team.
• Work collaboratively with Team Member Services on Team Member relations, including proper documentation, investigations, and corrective actions.
• In partnership with the Executive Leader of Manufacturing Excellence and Facility Leadership, lead facility continuous improvement efforts to address quality, processing, and safety issues by creating and managing an operational excellence program, metrics, and initiatives.
• Drive consistency and standardization in the use of digital tools, processes, and systems in the facility.
• Review KPI reports and other production indicators daily to direct the resolution of operational, manufacturing, and maintenance problems.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including but not limited to team members, customers, suppliers, and regulators.
• Build a positive work environment of outstanding teamwork and mutual respect.

• Bachelor's degree in food science, manufacturing, industrial, or a related field preferred OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• 6-8 years of experience in managing food manufacturing operations, driving continuous improvement, and achieving operational excellence.
• 5-10 years of leadership experience.
• Proven track record of success in a leadership role within the food manufacturing industry
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred, Black Belt is a plus.
• Deep knowledge and experience in large volume fresh food manufacturing formulations and quality implications when producing at scale.
• Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) trained, GFSI audit experience, and an understanding of FDA/USDA policies and OSHA regulations preferred.
• Hands-on experience implementing new technologies to enhance operational efficiency, e.g., ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and environmental health and safety.
• Proven leadership of continuous improvement efforts to address quality, processing, and safety issues by creating and managing an operational excellence program, metrics, and initiatives.
• Expected travel: 10-15%.

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Must adhere to company dress code, standards of production kitchen dress, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.
• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.
• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.
• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.
• Exposure to temperatures: 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.
• May require the use of ladders.

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team…