Operations Team Manager I at Ajinomoto Foods North America, Inc. – Joplin, Missouri
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About This Position
US-MO-Joplin
Job ID: 2026-8931
Type: Regular Full-Time
# of Openings: 1
Joplin Plant
Overview
As an Operations Team Manager (Third Shift), you will lead all production activities for your assigned area and drive performance in Safety, Quality, Cost, and Efficiency. This role is central to building a high-performing team, ensuring operational discipline, and delivering continuous improvement that supports our site and corporate objectives.
You will oversee the daily work of the shift team, develop talent, manage KPIs, and collaborate crossfunctionally to ensure stable, reliable operations.
Responsibilities
Lead & Develop the Team
Provide strong leadership to thirdshift team members to consistently achieve performance targets.
Communicate clear expectations aligned with company standards, values, and production goals.
Conduct shift meetings to align priorities, solve problems, and recognize achievements.
Coach, mentor, and hold team members accountable to support high performance and growth.
Ensure Operational Excellence
Oversee all thirdshift line operations, ensuring production runs to standard.
Respond quickly to downtime, process deviations, or safety concerns.
Identify and lead improvement opportunities to increase efficiency and reduce waste.
Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, Safety, and all regulatory/company policies.
Monitor KPIs and implement timely corrective actions when needed.
Champion continuous improvement tools and systems, including:
Autonomous Maintenance
Focused Improvement
Centerlines
Loss & Gap Analysis
Root Cause Analysis / Corrective Action
STPD Problem Solving
Manage Line Performance & Cost
Own cost performance for the assigned production line.
Review weekly and monthly financial indicators; address variances to meet targets.
Identify costreduction opportunities through productivity and waste improvement.
Build Capability & Support Talent Growth
Recruit, train, and develop hourly team members to strengthen workforce skill and versatility.
Promote a culture anchored in company values, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Provide development opportunities and crosstraining to build a flexible, capable team.
Collaborate Across the Site
Partner with maintenance, engineering, quality, and site leadership to address operational challenges.
Support new equipment, process improvements, and product launches.
Serve as the primary thirdshift contact for all production-related matters.
Qualifications
Education
Required: Associate of Science degree in a STEMrelated field (Engineering, Food Science, Technology, Math, etc.).
Preferred: Bachelor of Science in a STEM field or active enrollment in a related 4year program.
Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
Experience
Minimum 2 years of manufacturing experience in a leadership role, preferably within the food industry.
Required Skills & Proficiencies
Proven success driving improvements in Safety, Quality, Cost, and Efficiency.
Experience developing team capabilities, supporting promotions, or improving skill proficiency.
Strong problemsolving abilities with a track record of identifying root cause and preventing recurrence.
Demonstrated application of improvement methodologies (e.g., TPM, Lean, Six Sigma) with measurable outcomes.
Preferred
Working knowledge of GMP, HACCP, and food safety regulations.
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