Operations Manager

Central Garden & Pet
United States, North Carolina, Sanford
1611 Broadway Road (Show on map)
Sep 25, 2025
Description Position Title : Operations Manager Position Overview: Reporting to the Plant Manager, the Operations Manager will lead the manufacturing team in Sanford's high-volume production areas and work with the planning, manufacturing, and quality teams to provide the tools necessary to achieve the goals of the plant. Successful candidate will plan and execute manufacturing processes, procedures and master production schedules to comply with internal safety and quality practices. Position will be responsible for continually driving process improvements in the manufacturing area as well as in support functions. Successful candidates must have a passion for on-time, complete, and correct production requirements. Primary Responsibilities: Assist plant management to ensure the plant is meeting production schedules, inventory targets, and customer quality requirements. Provide leadership and strategic direction to specific areas of production; ensure continuous improvement in safety, productivity, quality, raw material utilization, operating costs, and delivery. Manage and report levels of raw materials, WIP inventory, and finished goods. Ensure all products meet quality requirements working with cross functional teams. Generate new ideas and drive problem solving initiatives with focus on continuous improvement and lean culture. Work directly with vendors, buyers, planners, replenishment, transportation, distribution, and compliance areas. Maintain a culture of safety, productivity, and process efficiency where employees are developed and know how their work is evaluated and fits into the big picture. Participates with senior management in developing strategies to meet short and long term company objectives. Ensure all legal requirements are met relating to H.R. policies and procedures. Must be capable of supporting a multilingual, multi-shift workforce. All job accountabilities and goals are subject to change with the needs of the business. Ther duties as assigned. Professional Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in Business or Engineering with concentration in supply chain, production, or operations management a plus. Minimum five to seven years manufacturing management experience with knowledge of production processes in high volume manufacturing plant. Strong leadership and management skills. Six sigma, lean implementation, and/or continuous improvement knowledge preferred. Highly motivated and excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organization to function successfully in a fast paced, cross-functional team environment. Strong work ethic with a "can do" attitude; ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously. Strong analytical, conceptual and problem solving skills and possess an extreme attention to detail. Comprehensive understanding of OSHA/DOT regulations/compliance. Proven strong communication skills; Bi-Lingual (Spanish) preferred. Must have excellent presentation and computer skills in MS Office; Advanced Excel skills required. Ability to work in a constant state of alertness and safemanner. Valid driver's license Physical Requirements: Ability to lift >40 lbs., walk, stand, push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, climb, carry, sit or stand for prolonged periods of time. Central Garden & Pet Company (NASDAQ: CENT), (NASDAQ: CENTA) understands that home is central to life and has proudly nurtured happy and healthy homes for over 40 years. With fiscal 2024 net sales of $3.2 billion, Central is on a mission to lead the future of the pet and garden industries. The Company's innovative and trusted products are dedicated to helping lawns grow greener, gardens bloom bigger, pets live healthier, and communities grow stronger. Central is home to a leading portfolio of more than 65 high-quality brands including Amdro , Aqueon , Cadet , C&S , Farnam , Ferry-Morse , Four Paws , Kaytee , Nylabone and Pennington , strong manufacturing and distribution capabilities, and a passionate, entrepreneurial growth culture. Central is based in Walnut Creek, California, with 6,450 employees primarily across North America. Visitwww.central.comto learn more. We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other characteristic protected by law.