Plant Operations Manager
We have a current opening for an Plant Operations Manager and are actively reviewing applications.
The Plant Operations Manager (PMO )supports the Plant Manager in coordinating plant governance, strategic planning, and cross-functional initiatives across the manufacturing organization. The role ensures alignment between plant departments, central functions, and business units while supporting the development and execution of the Plant Master Plan.
This role is responsible for coordinating plant governance processes, managing cross-functional projects, supporting budget planning and monitoring, and facilitating collaboration between departments to ensure the effective execution of operational priorities.
The position also promotes structured project management methodologies, oversees the implementation of strategic initiatives, and ensures the plant’s compliance with governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) requirements.
GOVERNANCE:
• Support the Plant Manager in defining and implementing plant governance structures, including internal meetings and coordination processes
• Coordinate governance processes across plant departments to ensure alignment with plant objectives
• Support the development of the Plant Master Plan by consolidating departmental contributions and aligning them with central and regional priorities
• Monitor progress of the Master Plan initiatives and report status to plant leadership
• Lead the plant’s local budget planning process and coordinate monthly closure meetings across departments covering SQCDME dimensions
• Coordinate cross-functional activities across plant departments, including preparation of presentations, plant visits, and internal communications
• Act as the key point of contact between the plant and Business Units, including Marketing, to facilitate operational alignment
• Act as liaison with the Operations Development department on specific initiatives and projects
• Support the preparation of documentation for plant leadership, headquarters visits, and investment proposals
• Coordinate preparation of documentation and communication for plant town halls
• Support plant compliance by coordinating Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) processes and documentation
• Support and monitor plant change management processes
CROSS-FUNCTIONAL PROJECT COORDINATION
• Develop, review, and maintain the plant Master Plan in alignment with plant strategic priorities
• Lead and coordinate major cross-functional projects within the plant as Project Manager
• Support the transition of large projects to relevant department managers when operational ownership is defined
• Promote structured project management methodologies across the plant organization
• Establish and maintain governance structures for major plant initiatives, including steering committees and review meetings
• Track project progress, identify risks, and ensure timely escalation of issues impacting project delivery
SAFETY:
• Commitment to Ferrero Health and Safety policies and procedures
• Ensure all activities are conducted in compliance with plant safety standards
• Promote a strong safety culture within all project and governance activities
• Report and escalate safety concerns identified during projects or plant initiatives
QUALITY & FOOD SAFETY:
• Adhere to all Ferrero Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and food safety policies
• Ensure project initiatives support compliance with food safety standards such as HACCP, FSSC 22000, and ISO requirements
• Support plant initiatives that strengthen product quality and compliance standards
ENVIRONMENT:
• Perform duties in accordance with Ferrero Environmental and Energy Management Systems
• Maintain awareness of environmental policies, objectives, and procedures
• Report environmental incidents, near misses, or nonconformances immediately
• Support plant compliance with ISO 14001 and ISO 50001 environmental and energy management standards
EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field.
EXPERIENCE:
• 5–8 years of experience in manufacturing, operations, project management, or plant coordination roles
• Experience managing cross-functional projects in a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Experience working with plant leadership and cross-functional teams
SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:
• Strong project management and organizational skills
• Ability to coordinate cross-functional teams and drive alignment across departments
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong analytical and planning capabilities
• Experience with budget planning and monitoring processes
• Knowledge of manufacturing operations and plant governance structures
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment
• Familiarity with change management and continuous improvement methodologies
• Strong presentation and documentation skills
• Ability to influence stakeholders at multiple levels of the organization
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong expertise in PowerPoint
PHYSICAL AND WORKING CONDITIONS:
• Office and manufacturing plant environment
• Occasional plant floor presence required
• Exposure to manufacturing conditions including noise and temperature variations
• Adherence to PPE and safety requirements when entering production areas
HOURS OF WORK
• Standard business hours with flexibility based on operational needs and project requirements
METRICS
• Plant Master Plan execution progress
• Cross-functional project delivery timelines and milestones
• Budget planning and monitoring accuracy
• Alignment and effectiveness of plant governance processes
• Contribution to SQCDME performance indicators
• Preparation of meeting minutes and action plans
• Follow-up on project actions and deliverables
• Preparation and consolidation of plant presentations
Artificial Intelligence Disclosure
As part of our recruitment process, Ferrero may use artificial intelligence (AI) enabled tools to assist with reviewing candidates applications These tools are used solely to support recruiters by summarizing application information and identifying potential alignment with job requirements. AI does not independently screen out or select candidates, and it does not place human judgment. Final decisions regarding candidate progression are always made by Ferrero recruiters and hiring managers.
Careers with caring built in - discover our benefits here.
The base salary range for this position is $94,000 - $125,000 annually. Actual compensation will be determined based on experience, qualifications, and other job-related factors permitted by law. This range represents the anticipated salary for this position at this time.
In addition to base salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and other benefits.
Ferrero began its journey in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with many iconic brands sold in countries all over the world. Find out more about Ferrero at ferrero.com.
Ferrero is committed to building a diverse and inclusive culture in which all employees feel welcomed and appreciated and have the same opportunities. We believe all our people are equally talented in their own way. In nurturing the curiosity and natural abilities of our employees, we provide them, generation after generation, the means to succeed personally and professionally, enabling them to craft their journey at Ferrero. The diversity of our talents is what makes our work environment multicultural, innovative, and highly rewarding.
Find out more here.
Ferrero is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable human rights laws. Ferrero will recruit, hire, train, and promote all persons without regard to race, creed, color, sex (including pregnancy, gender, sexual orientation, and gender identity), religion, national origin or ancestry, age, disability, or history of disability (except where physical or mental abilities are a bona fide occupational requirement and the individual is not able to perform the essential functions of the position even with reasonable accommodations), citizenship, or any other protected characteristic.
Ferrero will accommodate the needs of applicants with disabilities throughout all stages of the selection process. If you need accommodation during the recruitment process, please advise the People & Organization (HR) Representative. Information relating to the need for accommodation and accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.