Non Retail Facility

Principal Program Manager, Operations Planning and Implementation, Food Plant

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Job Description

This position is based in Austin, TX and will support and build processes for the Metro Kitchens ( Food Plant) in CT and MD. This is not remote, you will be expected to be in the Austin, TX office 5 days a week.The Principal Program Manager, Operations Planning and Implementation will lead our Operations Planning and Implementation efforts across our large and multi-unit food manufacturing program.  

Responsibilities:  ​

  • Defines and executes a comprehensive Operations Planning strategy aligned with overall business goals. This includes developing frameworks for resource planning (labor/people), production planning, work center planning, and integrated operational planning across all manufacturing units.  

  • Develops and implements a robust resource planning process to ensure optimal staffing levels and skill sets are available to meet production demands. This includes forecasting labor needs, optimizing scheduling, managing workforce capacity, and collaborating with Team Member Services.   

  • Leads the development and implementation of effective production planning processes that consider demand forecasts, capacity constraints, inventory levels, and production schedules. Ensure plans are optimized for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customer service.  

  • Oversee the planning and optimization of work centers to maximize throughput, minimize downtime, and improve overall efficiency. This includes analyzing work center capacity, optimizing equipment utilization, and implementing effective scheduling and dispatching strategies.  

  • Integrates resource planning, production planning, and work center planning into a cohesive operational plan that aligns all functions and drives optimal performance across the manufacturing network.  

  • Leads the implementation and execution of operational plans at the facility level. Works closely with facility leadership and operations teams to ensure plans are effectively communicated, understood, and implemented. Monitor performance against plan and identify and address any deviations.  

  • Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor the effectiveness of operational planning and implementation. Regularly reports on progress, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven recommendations.  

  • Collaborates effectively with various stakeholders, including operations, engineering, quality, supply chain, category merchants , and finance, to ensure alignment and successful execution of plans.  

  • Drives continuous improvement in operational implementation strategies. Identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve service levels.  

  • Keeps abreast of the latest developments in operational planning methodologies, resource management techniques, and manufacturing best practices. Identify and evaluate new opportunities to enhance planning and execution.  

 

Qualifications:  

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Industrial, Manufacturing, or related field), Supply Chain Management, or a related field required; Master's degree preferred.  

  • 6-8 years of progressive experience in operations planning and implementation roles within the food manufacturing industry.  

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

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

  • Proven track record of successfully developing and implementing resource planning, production planning, and work center planning strategies in a large, multi-unit environment.  

  • Deep understanding of operational planning principles, methodologies, and tools.  

  • Strong knowledge of resource management techniques and best practices.  

  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, detail-oriented, with the ability to implement strategy across multiple units. 

  • Strong leadership, communication, interpersonal, and influencing skills.  

  • Data-driven decision-making mindset with experience in using data to identify opportunities and drive improvement.  

  • Experience with ERP systems and advanced planning and scheduling (APS) software.  

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.  

 

The wage range for this position is $124,800.00 - $166,400.00 Annual, commensurate with experience. Whole Foods Market offers “Whole Benefits". Whole Benefits may include health insurance, retirement plan benefits, eligibility for a store discount, paid time off and access to other benefit programs. Eligibility for Whole Benefits is determined under the terms of the applicable Whole Benefits plan at a person’s date of hire. 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. Whole Foods Market works with job sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter to promote opportunities at our company. Please be aware that other career sites may not be accurate or up to date and may even be fraudulent. We encourage and recommend all candidates to apply via our site.