W3Global
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Senior Operations Manager
role at W3Global.
Position Overview Our Client, a leading meat and poultry processing company, seeks an operations leader to serve as the #2 to our Chief Operating Officer. This is NOT a desk job – we need someone who is constantly in the plants across three production facilities (two in Newark, one in Linden) and a frozen distribution warehouse, walking the floor to see what's working and what's not.
What You’ll Actually Be Doing
Spending your day in the plants – walking lines, observing operations, spotting what's working and what needs fixing
Taking the pulse through direct observation and conversations with supervisors and line teams
Coaching supervisors to solve problems, improve their operations, and develop their teams
Driving continuous improvement – identifying bottlenecks, testing solutions, implementing better processes
Key Responsibilities Operations Leadership & Oversight
Oversee operations across three production facilities and frozen distribution warehouse in Newark and Linden with consistent presence and visibility
Guide large workforce across multiple shifts in USDA‑inspected meat and poultry processing through coaching and supervision development
Ensure efficient conversion of raw materials to finished products while maintaining quality and food safety standards
Identify opportunities to optimize production lines and maximize throughput on high‑volume, machine‑driven operations
Team Development & Leadership
Build and develop a strong team with clear accountability and dependability
Level up personnel: turn C players into B players, B players into A players, and A players into superstars
Delegate effectively with strong follow‑through to ensure execution
Train team members on processes, quality standards, and continuous improvement methodologies
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure full compliance with all USDA regulations and requirements through consistent oversight
Lead preparation for and participation in SQF audits and third‑party regulatory audits
Conduct regular walkthroughs to identify compliance issues and improvement opportunities
Guide teams in maintaining excellence in food safety and personal safety programs
Develop keen observation skills to spot issues during floor walks that others might miss
Ensure teams adhere to product specifications and quality control standards
Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
Drive continuous improvement mindset – constantly looking for ways to make operations better, faster, more efficient
Observe operations to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities
Work with teams to implement process improvements and ensure changes stick
Understand and manage temperature zones critical for handling perishable meat and poultry products
Partner with maintenance to identify equipment improvements and maximize production capability
Scale operations and build processes that support rapid company growth
Navigate challenges of implementing change and guide teams through transitions
Use analytical mindset and data to identify trends and drive operational decisions
Required Qualifications Essential Experience
Meat and poultry processing experience – must have direct experience converting raw materials to finished products
USDA‑inspected plant experience – must have worked in facilities under active USDA inspection
Large workforce management – proven experience managing and developing large production teams
Floor‑level production experience – hands‑on optimization of production lines
Production background (CRITICAL) – must have worked your way up from production roles
You’re NOT The Right Fit If
You prefer managing through reports instead of being on the floor
You’ve only held strategic/executive roles without production experience
"Walking the floor" means occasional visits to you
You accept status quo instead of improving it
You lack meat/poultry processing background
Regulatory & Audit Expertise
Deep understanding of USDA regulations
Hands‑on experience with SQF audits
Experience conducting/managing third‑party audits
Strong food and personal safety knowledge
Ability to identify compliance issues proactively
Technical Production Knowledge
Experience with high‑volume, machine‑driven production lines
Knowledge of temperature zones for perishable products
Experience working with maintenance to optimize equipment
Understanding of meat/poultry processing machinery
Technical Skills
Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, etc.); SAP Business One is a strong plus
Strong computer skills and technical aptitude
Advanced skills in spreadsheets and data analysis
Analytical mindset with KPI‑driven decision making
CORE COMPETENCIES
Leadership & Management excellence
Strong observational and situational awareness
Continuous improvement mindset
Confident and timely decision‑making
Clear communication at all levels
Quality and consistency focus
Strong interpersonal capability
Problem identification and solution focus
Effective change management skills
Work Requirements
Flexible hours based on operational needs
On‑site presence required, daily
Multi‑site coverage across Newark and Linden
WHY JOIN OUR CLIENT
Work directly with the COO as their #2 – real authority to improve operations
Oversee high‑volume production serving major national retail customers
Drive continuous improvement in a rapidly growing business
Build strong teams with a culture of accountability and excellence
Stay connected to the heart of production – no desk‑bound leadership
Make meaningful, scalable improvements with long‑term impact
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Management and Manufacturing
Industries Staffing and Recruiting
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at W3Global by 2x
Get notified about new Senior Operations Manager jobs in Newark, NJ.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Operations Manager
role at W3Global.
Position Overview Our Client, a leading meat and poultry processing company, seeks an operations leader to serve as the #2 to our Chief Operating Officer. This is NOT a desk job – we need someone who is constantly in the plants across three production facilities (two in Newark, one in Linden) and a frozen distribution warehouse, walking the floor to see what's working and what's not.
What You’ll Actually Be Doing
Spending your day in the plants – walking lines, observing operations, spotting what's working and what needs fixing
Taking the pulse through direct observation and conversations with supervisors and line teams
Coaching supervisors to solve problems, improve their operations, and develop their teams
Driving continuous improvement – identifying bottlenecks, testing solutions, implementing better processes
Key Responsibilities Operations Leadership & Oversight
Oversee operations across three production facilities and frozen distribution warehouse in Newark and Linden with consistent presence and visibility
Guide large workforce across multiple shifts in USDA‑inspected meat and poultry processing through coaching and supervision development
Ensure efficient conversion of raw materials to finished products while maintaining quality and food safety standards
Identify opportunities to optimize production lines and maximize throughput on high‑volume, machine‑driven operations
Team Development & Leadership
Build and develop a strong team with clear accountability and dependability
Level up personnel: turn C players into B players, B players into A players, and A players into superstars
Delegate effectively with strong follow‑through to ensure execution
Train team members on processes, quality standards, and continuous improvement methodologies
Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Ensure full compliance with all USDA regulations and requirements through consistent oversight
Lead preparation for and participation in SQF audits and third‑party regulatory audits
Conduct regular walkthroughs to identify compliance issues and improvement opportunities
Guide teams in maintaining excellence in food safety and personal safety programs
Develop keen observation skills to spot issues during floor walks that others might miss
Ensure teams adhere to product specifications and quality control standards
Process Improvement & Operational Excellence
Drive continuous improvement mindset – constantly looking for ways to make operations better, faster, more efficient
Observe operations to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities
Work with teams to implement process improvements and ensure changes stick
Understand and manage temperature zones critical for handling perishable meat and poultry products
Partner with maintenance to identify equipment improvements and maximize production capability
Scale operations and build processes that support rapid company growth
Navigate challenges of implementing change and guide teams through transitions
Use analytical mindset and data to identify trends and drive operational decisions
Required Qualifications Essential Experience
Meat and poultry processing experience – must have direct experience converting raw materials to finished products
USDA‑inspected plant experience – must have worked in facilities under active USDA inspection
Large workforce management – proven experience managing and developing large production teams
Floor‑level production experience – hands‑on optimization of production lines
Production background (CRITICAL) – must have worked your way up from production roles
You’re NOT The Right Fit If
You prefer managing through reports instead of being on the floor
You’ve only held strategic/executive roles without production experience
"Walking the floor" means occasional visits to you
You accept status quo instead of improving it
You lack meat/poultry processing background
Regulatory & Audit Expertise
Deep understanding of USDA regulations
Hands‑on experience with SQF audits
Experience conducting/managing third‑party audits
Strong food and personal safety knowledge
Ability to identify compliance issues proactively
Technical Production Knowledge
Experience with high‑volume, machine‑driven production lines
Knowledge of temperature zones for perishable products
Experience working with maintenance to optimize equipment
Understanding of meat/poultry processing machinery
Technical Skills
Proficiency with ERP systems (SAP, NetSuite, etc.); SAP Business One is a strong plus
Strong computer skills and technical aptitude
Advanced skills in spreadsheets and data analysis
Analytical mindset with KPI‑driven decision making
CORE COMPETENCIES
Leadership & Management excellence
Strong observational and situational awareness
Continuous improvement mindset
Confident and timely decision‑making
Clear communication at all levels
Quality and consistency focus
Strong interpersonal capability
Problem identification and solution focus
Effective change management skills
Work Requirements
Flexible hours based on operational needs
On‑site presence required, daily
Multi‑site coverage across Newark and Linden
WHY JOIN OUR CLIENT
Work directly with the COO as their #2 – real authority to improve operations
Oversee high‑volume production serving major national retail customers
Drive continuous improvement in a rapidly growing business
Build strong teams with a culture of accountability and excellence
Stay connected to the heart of production – no desk‑bound leadership
Make meaningful, scalable improvements with long‑term impact
Seniority level Director
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Management and Manufacturing
Industries Staffing and Recruiting
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at W3Global by 2x
Get notified about new Senior Operations Manager jobs in Newark, NJ.
#J-18808-Ljbffr