Responsibilities: 

• Execute strategies and plans for fresh food manufacturing, supply chain management, environmental health and safety, product total quality management, manufacturing digitalization transformation, and continuous improvement. 

• Lead andensure that a complex US Department of Agriculture (USDA) manufacturing facilityoperatessafely andcomplies withregulatory and corporate safety and environmental program standards and goals. 

• Leadfacility-leveloperational excellence, production innovation, product craft at scale,assemblyand packaging,andinbound and outboundwith along-term visionandcontinuous improvement mindset. 

• Ensure robust plant safety and security inspections, auditing, and training procedures are implemented to meetandmaintainOccupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)and other required regulations. 

• ReviewKeyPerformance Indicator (KPI)reports and other production indicators daily to direct the resolution of operational, manufacturing,and maintenance problems. 

• Motivate, direct, coach,and develop a high performing diverse and engaged teamof leaders and skilled professionalsto meet established goals and build organizational capability.Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented environment within thefacility. 

• Interview, select, train, develop, and counsel Team Members and Team Leaders in a manner which builds and sustains a high performing team. 

• Develop and implement structured training programs that equip team members with the technicalproficiencyrequiredfor their roles, fostering a culture of continuous learning and skill enhancement. 

• Managecapital and operating budgets andoversee thestrategy of capital investment projects and spending within acomplex andhigh assetutilizationfacility. 

• Direct, manage, andoptimizethe facility’soverall operations and financial performance (P&L).Collect operational metrics to analyze productivity and set performance targets to meet revenue and cost goals. 

• Ensure that the facility meets Whole Foods Market'shigh standardsfor safety, quality, and efficiency. 

• Respond effectively to operational issues, emergencies, or unexpected events to minimize impact on operations and stakeholders. 

• Oversee facilityregulatory compliance, in close collaboration withthe Executive Leader ofManufacturing Excellence,General Manager,Asset Protection team, Legal partners, and other key stakeholders.  

• Collaborate with other departments (e.g., Risk Management, Internal Audit,Asset Protection,Team Member Services, etc.) to direct compliance issues toappropriate existingchannels for investigation and resolution. Consult with other functions as needed to resolve difficult issues. 

• Work collaboratively with Team Member Services on Team Member relations, including proper documentation, investigations, and corrective actions. 

• Drive consistency and standardization in the use of digital tools, processes, and systemsin the facility. 

• Buildand maintainstrong partnerships with key stakeholders, including but not limited toteam members, customers, suppliers, and regulators. 

• Build a positive work environment of outstanding teamwork and mutual respect. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in food science, manufacturing,industrialengineering, or a related field preferred. 

• 6-8years of experienceor equivalent combination of education and relevant experiencein managing food manufacturing operations, driving continuous improvement, and achieving operational excellence. 

• 2-4years of leadership experienceleading large teams of 300+ Team Members. 

• Proventrack recordof success in a leadership role in the food manufacturing industry. 

• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt preferred, Black Belt is a plus. 

• Deep knowledge and experience in large volume fresh food manufacturing formulations and quality implications when producing at scale.  

• Hazard AnalysisandCritical Control Point (HACCP)trained,Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI)audit experience, and an understanding ofFood and Drug Administration (FDA)/USDA policies and OSHA regulations preferred. 

• Hands-on experience implementingnew technologiesto enhance operational efficiency, e.g.,Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. 

• Advancedcomputer skills;proficiencyinselectMicrosoft Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); and ability to learn custom applications.   

• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations, supply chain management, and environmental health and safety. 

• Proven leadership of continuous improvement efforts to address quality, processing, and safety issues by creating and managing an operational excellence program, metrics, and initiatives. 

• Consistent history of strong business and financial performance. 

• Expected travel: 10-15%. 

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:  

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.   

• Must adhere to company dress code, standards of production kitchen dress, and personal protective equipment (PPE).   

• Must be able to perform the essential functions of the job with reasonable accommodation.  

• Hand use: single grasping, fine manipulation, pushing and pulling.   

• Work requires the following motions: bending, twisting, squatting, and reaching.   

• Exposure to FDA-approved cleaning chemicals.   

• Exposure to temperatures: <32 degrees Fahrenheit (freezing), 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (refrigerators), >90 degrees Fahrenheit.   

• Ability to work in wet and dry conditions.   

• May require the use of ladders.  

At Whole Foods Market, we provide a fair and equal employment opportunity for all Team Members and candidates regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, age, marital status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic. Whole Foods Market hires and promotes individuals solely based on qualifications for the position to be filled and business needs.