We are seeking a highly experienced Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations within a confectionery and candy production environment. This role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, food safety compliance, efficiency, and continuous improvement across production processes, while also supporting the startup and commissioning of new production lines and processes .

This position plays a critical role in aligning production performance with business objectives in a regulated, safety-driven food manufacturing organization.

Key Responsibilities
Production & Operations Management

Plan, coordinate, and oversee daily, weekly, and monthly production activities to meet volume, quality, cost, and delivery targets.

Ensure optimal utilization of labor, raw materials, and equipment across confectionery processes (mixing, molding, cooling, packaging).

Execute the master production plan in alignment with corporate objectives.

Process Startup & Industrialization

Lead and support the startup, commissioning, ramp-up, and stabilization of new production lines or processes .

Coordinate cross-functionally with Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, and Supply Chain during equipment installation and validation.

Ensure proper documentation, SOP development, and team training during process launches.

Quality & Food Safety

Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards, including HACCP, SQF, FSSC 22000, AIB, and applicable NOMs .

Lead corrective and preventive actions resulting from audits, incidents, or performance gaps.

Reinforce a strong quality and food safety culture across operations.

Leadership & Team Development

Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and production teams.

Coordinate workforce planning, shift coverage, performance evaluations, and skills development.

Promote accountability, engagement, and operational discipline.





Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and Kaizen methodologies.

Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, yield, cycle time, and cost control.

Utilize KPI data to support structured problem-solving and decision-making.

Safety, Resources & Maintenance

Ensure compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.

Promote proactive risk prevention and safe work practices.

Oversee preventive and corrective maintenance programs to support equipment reliability.

Ensure availability and efficient use of raw materials, machinery, and production assets.

Performance Management

Monitor KPIs such as productivity, efficiency, waste, yield, and production compliance.

Prepare and present operational performance reports to senior leadership.

Qualifications
Education
Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline, including Industrial Engineering, Food Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering , or a related field, with a strong foundation in manufacturing processes, production systems, and industrial operations within regulated environments. A Master's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration (MBA), or a related field is preferred .

Experience

Minimum 5 years of experience in food manufacturing , preferably in confectionery or candy production .

At least 2 years in an Operations Manager, Production Manager, or similar leadership role .

Proven experience in process startups, commissioning, and ramp-up of production lines .

Technical Skills

Strong knowledge of confectionery manufacturing processes.

Experience with ERP systems, production planning, and manufacturing control tools.

Solid understanding of food safety and quality management systems.

Languages

Spanish and English (professional working proficiency).

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📌 Operations Manager – Confectionery Manufacturing (Ciudad Juárez)
🏢 Sunrise Confections
📍 Ciudad Juárez