Packaging Department Manager

OVERVIEW

The primary responsibility of the Packaging Manager is to effectively plan, coordinate, and manage all of the packaging and bulk operations in a safe, environmentally responsible, quality-focused and financially responsible manner. The Packaging Manager directly supervises the packaging superintendents and packaging supervisors and indirectly supervises the hourly packaging employees.

DETAILED ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manages and leads a team of supervisors to deliver quality and quantity of production to meet demand.
• Analyze production data from Redzone and PowerBI and implement strategies to improve performance
• Track and report KPIs, including OEE, Waste, Labor Utilization, Downtime, and Safety metrics
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction through process optimization
• Manage departmental budgets and control COGS (Cost of Goods Sold)
• Lead, coach, and develop production supervisors and provide ongoing feedback
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement and communicate clear performance expectations
• Create and ensure Standard Work is followed to achieve production result through employee leadership in a unionized environment
• Review daily packaging operation with the packaging superintendent with respect to overall efficiency, product requirement, and production schedule. Review current inventory levels and anticipated customer demand with Logistics to assure adequate order fulfillment.
• Develop and implement plans to improve performance, drive continuous improvement, and build technical depth and leadership capability. Determine the future state of the department and develop and implement plans that drive towards the future state.
• Develop and maintain a good working climate by developing a team. Conduct performance evaluations on a timely basis and establish performance goals. Ensure that supervisors and superintendents are building teams, setting expectations and holding employees accountable.
• Manage union relationship and grievances with Human Resources.
• Ensure the development of sound predictive and preventative maintenance programs which will reduce unplanned shutdowns and continuously improve plant reliability, profitability and product quality.
• Partners with support functions (i.e. Supply Chain, Procurement, Sales, etc.) to meet production demands
• Conducts regular shift meetings regarding safety, production, quality and other important information.
• Lead continuous improvement projects focusing on OEE, throughput, and waste reduction
• Drive problem-solving methodologies, including Root Cause Analysis, 5 Whys, A3 problem solving, and Fishbone diagrams.
• Other duties as assigned.

WORK EXPERIENCES

• 6 or more years of experience leading a high-speed team in a packaging operation environment required.
• Experience working in a unionized environment preferred.
• Experience working in a CPG or Food Manufacturing environment.
• Experience leading a large work group of employees required.
• Prior continuous improvement experience required.
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, coach and train employees.
• Proficient with Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated understanding of sound HSSE practices and experience with quality systems (ISO, SQF, etc.).
• Ability to work overtime, weekends and holidays, if appropriate.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• BS/BA degree from an accredited college/university required.
• Continuous Improvement or quality certification(s) strongly preferred.
• Industrial electric background, computer, PLC programming, mechanical troubleshooting preferred

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

• Yes

ESSENTIAL CAPABILITIES (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES)

• Strategic Agility - Ability to manage a broad scope operation (32 lines and numerous product types); Experience in driving continuous improvement – we need standardized work procedures to be developed and introduced in a way that is sustainable; Ability to develop a long-range plan – the future state and implement via incremental steps to achieve the plan;
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Interpersonal - Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others' ideas and tries new things.
• Teamwork - Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone's efforts to succeed; Recognizes accomplishments of other team members.
• Quality Management - Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Business Acumen - Understands business implications of decisions; Displays orientation to profitability; Aligns work with strategic goals.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives; Organizes or schedules other people and their tasks; Develops realistic action plans.
• Change Management - Develops workable implementation plans; Communicates changes effectively; Builds commitment and overcomes resistance; Prepares and supports those affected by change; Monitors transition and evaluates results.
• Delegation - Delegates work assignments; Matches the responsibility to the person; Gives authority to work independently; Sets expectations and monitors delegated activities; Provides recognition for results.
• Leadership - Exhibits confidence in self and others; Inspires and motivates others to perform well; Effectively influences actions and opinions of others; Inspires respect and trust; Accepts feedback from others; Provides vision and inspiration to peers and subordinates; Gives appropriate recognition to others; Displays passion and optimism; Mobilizes others to fulfill the vision.
• Managing People - Includes staff in planning, decision-making, facilitating and process improvement; Takes responsibility for subordinates' activities; Makes him/herself available to staff; Provides regular performance feedback; Develops subordinates' skills and encourages growth; Solicits and applies customer feedback (internal and external); Fosters quality focus in others; Improves processes, products and services; Continually works to improve supervisory skills.
• Strong people skills to manage a large, diverse employee group.