Manager, Operations

Barry Callebaut is a global organization poised for growth; a company which has embraced the vision to delight its customers, while out-performing its competitors, a business which is committed to sustainability, has innovation in its DNA, is a leader in complex manufacturing and supply chain solutions and is focused on being a best-in-class employer. Barry Callebaut seeks diverse and passionate people who thrive in a dynamic environment, focused on continuous learning, living BC’s Values and of course loving chocolate.

Under the direction of the Robinson, IL Site Manager, the Operations Manager is responsible sets and monitor performance of the Plant against balanced scorecard set targets, following all the standards in areas such as people, safety, food safety, quality, manufacturing efficiency, and productivity.

They ensure and nurture a culture of “Safety, Food Safety First and Quality Always” mindset across their department, in line with the Barry Callebaut Go4Zero objective (0 accidents, 0 defects, 0 delays, 0 impact). She/he/they have the responsibility to act and speak up when deviations cannot be solved locally (example: supplier quality)

She/he/they ensures compliance with all relevant regulations on a country, local or global level, and constantly seek improvements through lean principles and people capabilities development towards achieving best in class performance.

Key responsibilities include: 

• Ensure the safety of all employees, be familiar with and implement all relevant regulations related to safety, food safety, and environmental protection and always ensure compliance - Monitoring and improving safety, food safety and environmental performance.
• Work with the QA department to implement, execute and maintain the quality management system.
• Lead, direct, and control the day-to-day operational activities of the factory to achieve the quality, operational and financial objectives on short and medium-term in line with the overall master plan.
• Hire and develop people: providing learning, growth, building culture and a strong cross functional collaborative approach.
• Be a leadership role model living Barry Callebaut values and practicing servant leadership
• Support the definition and execution of the budget; monitor the cost and effectiveness of production activities to optimize resources, prioritize spending, and achieve volume, quality, and manufacturing standards.
• Identify and implement process improvements, lean manufacturing initiatives, and new technologies to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
• Manage the infrastructure and assets of the operations areas and ensure the factory remains under hygienic conditions
• Maintenance and equipment management: Overseeing the maintenance and repair of equipment and machinery to minimize downtime and ensure smooth production processes.

About you:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or similar Technical field.
• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in Food Manufacturing Management operation
• Strong written & verbal communication skills, analytical ability, leadership strengths and ability to work effectively with a team are required
• Knowledgeable in MS Office Suite, SAP Systems and other applications used in manufacturing e.g. scheduling, CMMS, MES, etc.
• Experience in Leading operational teams and Unions/Works Council context
• Change Manager seeking Continuous improvement through lean principles and people capabilities development

What you can expect from Barry Callebaut:

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package

• Paid time off, plus 12 paid holidays, plus your birthday off

• Environment that welcomes workplace flexibility
• An atmosphere where diversity is embraced, and inclusivity is second nature. We call it #OneBC! Just ask our champions with the Americas Women’s Forum and the Racial Equality Forum!
• Ability to grow personally and professionally within an organization that values development and internal career growth
• Be part of our mission in making sustainability the norm through Forever Chocolate with priorities centered around prospering farmers, zero child labor, carbon and forest positive, and creating 100% sustainable ingredients in all of our products.