Operations Manager

We are hiring! Come join our growing team!

About us: Innovative Natural Solutions (INS) was founded in 2015 to bring natural based immunity products to the market. Since this time, we have become a fast-growing supplement manufacturing company and leading North American grower and processor of elderberry and elderberry products. Who are we? We bring accessible wellness every day to everyone.

Due to our growth and the volume of opportunities now in front of us, we are looking for someone to join our team as our Operations Manager.

Job Summary: As our Operations Manager, you will be responsible for the overall operations and performance of our manufacturing facility located in Mt. Vernon. You will lead a team to ensure efficient production processes, maintain high quality standards, meet production targets while adhering to safety and regulatory guidelines. This role requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and a drive for continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Location: We are headquartered in southwest Missouri, in Purdy, MO., with our main production facility in Mt. Vernon, MO. You will be required to work at our Mt. Vernon location for the vast majority of the time, but may, as needed, be required to work at our Purdy location.

Environment: Must be willing and able to comply with all plant safety and quality regulations including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when entering production areas.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage day-to-day operations of the facility ensuring adherence to production schedules, quality standards and budgetary guidelines.

• Promote, implement, and enforce safety protocols and regulatory compliance to maintain a safe working environment.

• Lead incident investigations, implement preventive measures, and drive a culture of safety awareness.

• Develop and implement production schedules to meet customer demands and optimize resource utilization.

• Monitor production processes and workflow to ensure efficiency, quality, and compliance with specifications.

• Implement and maintain efficient manufacturing processes to optimize productivity while minimizing waste and reducing costs.

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Maintenance, Quality Assurance and Food Safety, Purchasing, Shipping and Receiving, HR, Finance and Business Development to streamline operations and resolve any issues that may arise.

• Monitor and manage plant expenses, including labor, materials, and overhead costs to achieve budgetary targets.

• Develop and enforce strict quality control measures to ensure the production of high- quality products that meet regulatory standards and customer expectations.

• In-depth knowledge of production processes, equipment, and quality control standards.

• Strong leadership and decision-making skills with the ability to effectively manage a diverse team.

• Proven track record of implementing process improvements and achieving operational efficiency.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Work in a team environment with ability to communicate in a concise and respectful manner.

• Ability to work cross functionally and with various business partners.

• Perform others duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration or related field; or 5 years of operations management experience.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to collaborate across departments and levels within the organization.

• Proficient in using relevant software and systems for production management and data analysis.

• Proven experience in a manufacturing leadership role, with a track record of success in managing plant operations and driving performance improvements.

Preferred:

• Experience working within the natural food channel, dietary supplement, or pharmaceutical industry.

Physical Requirements:

• A combination of office-based work and on-site presence within the manufacturing facility.

• Ability to move around the manufacturing facility to oversee operations, conduct inspections and interact with employees.

• Must be able to lift up to 49 pounds at times.

To Succeed at INS, we are a team with a commitment to:

• Do the right thing. Have a commitment to do what is right even when it is not easy.

• Serve others. Lead by example and provide others with the opportunity to learn and grow.

• Learn, Understand and Share. Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and fact check so the company gains knowledge.

• Sweat the execution. Get things to the finish line with a mindset to solve the challenge.

• Bring your authentic self. Be yourself and feel comfortable being part of a team that values the uniqueness everyone brings to the table beyond their job definition.

Benefits: We offer a competitive base salary along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, paid time off, health insurance, Simple IRA, and supplemental insurances.

The Company: INS has become a leader in supply chain management, branded ingredient innovation, and a top tier gummy manufacturer, all while keeping Elderberry our core focus. Our portfolio includes berries, extracts, syrups and a wide range of gummies. This portfolio represents our commitment to bring accessible wellness every day to everyone.

Innovative Natural Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer.