Plant Operations Manager
Location: Modesto, CA (On-site, Full Relocation Provided)
Compensation: $120K–$170K base + 15% bonus + 9% 401(k) match + full relocation
Reports to: Plant Manager
Type: Full-time | Direct Hire | Fast-Track Role
Sector: Food & Beverage Manufacturing
About the Company
This established food and beverage manufacturer operates with a people-first philosophy and a strong track record of internal promotion and operational excellence. With a flagship plant in Modesto, CA, the company is seeking a bilingual Plant Operations Manager to lead large-scale union operations and step into a strategic leadership pipeline.
The Opportunity
This role is a high-impact operations leadership position with clear upward mobility to Plant Manager. You’ll be the operational linchpin in a high-volume, unionized facility, driving performance across production, people, and processes.
What You’ll Do
Operations & Performance Management
Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations in a high-capacity, unionized facility (up to 1,000 total employees)
Manage 150–300 personnel directly, including two direct reports
Oversee production planning, shift management, KPI tracking, and plant floor performance
Champion standard work, autonomous maintenance, and lean practices
Cross-Functional Leadership
Partner closely with HR, Maintenance, Quality, and CI teams to ensure seamless plant operations
Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
Serve as a highly visible leader within the organization’s flagship site
Talent Development & Engagement
Develop frontline leaders through coaching, mentorship, and structured performance management
Promote a culture of engagement and empowerment across multilingual teams
You’d Be a Great Fit If You Have:
7+ years of leadership in food, beverage, pharma, or CPG manufacturing
Experience managing in unionized, high-headcount environments (400+ employees)
Bachelor’s degree (required)
Bilingual fluency in English and Spanish (required)
Demonstrated strength in CI/Lean manufacturing principles
Proven ability to build team capability in dynamic and high-volume settings
Willingness to relocate within the company for future leadership roles
Why Join This Team
Fast-track promotion potential to Plant Manager
High visibility within a flagship facility
Competitive total rewards: 15% annual bonus, 9% 401(k) match, tuition reimbursement, and full relocation
Strong, values-driven company culture that invests in people and promotes from within
Additional Notes
Stable work history required — no job hoppers
Visa sponsorship is not available
MilSpec Talent is a boutique headhunting firm that helps our clients get connected with top talent in the industry. We work with mid-career, industry-experienced Veterans with 3–15 years of proven success in the private sector. For our contingency recruitment partners, we provide this value with minimal risk.
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