Operations Manager

Company Overview

At Formica Freitag Bakery, we’re proud of our legacy — more than a century of baking excellence rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and quality. Our breads are made using the original 1919 recipe and the pure waters of the New Jersey Pinelands. We supply premium sub rolls, hoagie loaves, Italian breads, and other specialty bakery products to restaurants, delis, food-service distributors, and grocers throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

As our wholesale production operation continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Superintendent of Operations for the Night Shift to lead overnight production and sanitation operations at our facility.

Position Summary

The Superintendent of Operations – Nights serves as the senior operational leader during overnight hours, responsible for overseeing production, sanitation, and food safety compliance across the facility.

This role ensures that production runs efficiently, quality standards are maintained, and the plant is fully prepared for the next day’s operations. A key component of this role is direct oversight of the Sanitation Department, ensuring all cleaning and sanitation processes meet GMP, HACCP, and SQF food safety standards.

The Operations Manager works closely with production supervisors, sanitation teams, maintenance staff, and senior leadership to maintain a safe, compliant, and high-performing operation.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Lead all overnight production operations including mixing, dividing, proofing, baking, cooling, packaging, and staging.
• Ensure production schedules and customer orders are completed accurately and on time.
• Monitor operational performance and address issues that impact productivity, quality, or safety.
• Provide leadership and support to production supervisors and team leads.
• Ensure the facility is properly prepared for the next day’s production activities.

Sanitation & Food Safety Oversight

• Manage and oversee the Sanitation Department and sanitation personnel.
• Ensure sanitation activities meet GMP, HACCP, SQF, and internal food safety requirements.
• Verify sanitation procedures are completed and properly documented.
• Conduct sanitation inspections and implement corrective actions when needed.
• Maintain facility readiness for production startup each day.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure strict adherence to food safety, food defense, and plant safety programs.
• Maintain proper documentation for sanitation, production, and quality records.
• Support internal and external food safety audits.
• Investigate and report food safety or quality incidents.

Team Leadership

• Supervise, coach, and develop production and sanitation personnel.
• Promote a culture of accountability, teamwork, and safety.
• Identify training needs and support cross-training initiatives.
• Communicate staffing or performance concerns with HR and senior leadership.

Equipment & Facility Oversight

• Monitor production equipment to ensure proper operation and efficiency.
• Coordinate with maintenance to resolve equipment issues.
• Ensure employees follow proper safety procedures including Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) when required.

Documentation & Communication

• Review production schedules, shift reports, and operational logs.
• Ensure accurate completion of production, sanitation, and quality records.
• Communicate operational updates and issues to leadership and the incoming shift.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in food manufacturing, bakery production, or food processing operations.
• Previous operations management or supervisory leadership experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of GMP, HACCP, and SQF food safety systems.
• Experience managing sanitation programs in a food production facility preferred.
• Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Mechanical aptitude and familiarity with production equipment.
• Ability to lead teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Able to stand, bend, climb, reach, and lift repeatedly throughout the shift
• Must be able to lift up to 35 pounds overhead
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, physically demanding environment

Work Environment

• Exposure to powered equipment, slippery floors, dusty areas, and high heat in summer
• Protective clothing such as uniforms, gloves, and slip-resistant shoes may be required
• Team-based and production-focused environment with strict safety standards

Additional Details

▪ Starting Rate of Pay: $TBD based on experience

▪ Pay Schedule: Bi-weekly (26 pay periods annually)

▪ Eligible for Health Insurance Reimbursement Account (ICHRA) after 30 days of active employment

▪ Paid Holidays: New Year’s Day, Easter, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, and Christmas (full-time: full day; part-time: 4 hours if normally scheduled)

Formica Freitag Bakery is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace and provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants, regardless of race, gender, religion, age, nationality, disability, or any other protected status under the law.

Why Join Formica Freitag Bakery

Become part of a respected, long-standing bakery brand known for quality and tradition. As Superintendent of Operations for the Night Shift, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring our facility operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with food safety standards while delivering the high-quality bakery products our customers expect.

Pay: $70,000.00 - $85,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person