Operations Technical Manager

Overview

The Operations Technical Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for driving operational excellence across maintenance, engineering, capital execution, and continuous improvement initiatives within a high-volume manufacturing environment. This individual provides technical leadership and cross-functional direction to ensure safe, reliable, and efficient plant operations while optimizing asset performance, reducing costs, and improving overall productivity. This role plays a critical part in shaping plant capability by ensuring the effective integration of mechanical, electrical, and systems engineering expertise into daily operations.

The leader will champion safety, quality, sanitation, regulatory compliance, and operational reliability while driving long-term improvements in equipment performance and manufacturing flow.

• On-site role based in Monett, Missouri

• $10,000 relocation bonus available for candidates relocating more than 50 miles

• Provide 24/7 technical leadership across plant maintenance and engineering functions in a continuous manufacturing environment
• Ensure mechanical and electrical expertise is consistently available to support production systems, utilities, buildings, and grounds
• Lead and manage maintenance operations supporting high-speed production, utilities, refrigeration systems, and packaging/material handling equipment
• Oversee Maintenance Mechanic and Maintenance Planner functions, ensuring strong performance management, development, and team effectiveness

• Drive standardization of maintenance best practices, policies, and procedures across the plant
• Improve equipment reliability, production quality, safety performance, and overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) using Continuous Improvement methodologies
• Fully leverage Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems to optimize maintenance planning, execution, and tracking
• Lead preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to reduce downtime and improve asset performance

• Lead and oversee capital project execution from concept through implementation
• Develop and manage improvement plans that include both capital and non‑capital initiatives
• Optimize plant layout, flow manufacturing, and asset utilization to eliminate bottlenecks and improve throughput
• Ensure effective execution of engineering projects impacting automation, utilities, and production systems

• Champion Lean Manufacturing principles, including Value Stream Mapping and process optimization
• Identify and implement productivity improvements that reduce labor and overhead costs
• Drive initiatives that improve manufacturing flow, eliminate waste, and enhance operational efficiency
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver short‑ and long‑term improvement roadmaps

• Ensure full compliance with Food Safety and Food Quality standards, including customer and regulatory requirements
• Establish, audit, and maintain PCPs, CCPs, SOPs, and sanitation procedures
• Lead investigations into process deviations and drive corrective and preventive actions
• Ensure compliance with FDA, GMP, AIB, and internal quality systems

• Lead, coach, and develop maintenance and technical teams in a 24/7 operational environment
• Drive training initiatives focused on new technologies, including automation, electrical controls, and manufacturing systems
• Support workforce planning, performance management, and talent development within the technical organization
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement

• Partner with Operations, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain teams to align technical strategies with business objectives
• Participate in contract-related discussions, including labor relations activities where applicable
• Influence stakeholders at all levels of the organization through strong communication and technical expertise
• Drive data-informed decision-making…