Operations Manager

Are you known for exceeding expectations? Do you embrace the Spirit of Hawai‘i? Then please keep reading because we’re looking for people like you at Hawaiian Host Group.

Who are we? Hawaiian Host Group (HHG) is a leading Hawai‘i-based consumer goods company with a portfolio of brands that includes Hawaiian Host, Mauna Loa, MacFarms, KOHO, and Kapua Orchards. Sold in over 23 countries, HHG produces a suite of products ranging from flavored macadamia nuts to artisan chocolates. Our dedicated team of Hosts of Hawai‘i is spread across our headquarters in Honolulu and offices in Hilo, Kona, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. HHG has 3 manufacturing plants in Hawai'i, as well as the state's largest single macadamia farm.   

We are an excited team of people that all have one vision in common: sharing the Spirit of Hawai‘i with the world. Expect camaraderie, product tastings, and other (virtual and in-person) events that make our culture unique. And more importantly, know that your work contributes to our purpose; to make the Islands’ future flourish. We do this through our Takitani foundation that grants scholarships to deserving local students, our solar farm on the Big Island, and other social & environmental initiatives.

That’s enough about us for now, we’d love to learn more about you. Read the job description below and let us know if you’re interested. We can’t wait to meet you!

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing daily manufacturing operations at our Honolulu Plant and plays a critical role in ensuring production efficiency, safety, and quality. Reporting to the Plant Manager, this position leads all aspects of production including scheduling, staffing, training, resource planning, and coordinating maintenance activities with the Maintenance Manager. The Operations Manager drives continuous improvement initiatives, ensures compliance with safety and regulatory standards, and collaborates cross-functionally to resolve operational challenges. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong analytical and mechanical skills, a focus on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and a commitment to team development and operational excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. To support operational continuity, the Operations Manager will be required to work or rotate between 1st and 2nd shifts based on business needs.

• Design and implement plans to optimize the use of material and labor resources to achieve manufacturing targets.
• Supervise the operations of manufacturing personnel to ensure production processes are executed on time and within budget.
• Oversee the hiring, onboarding, and training of technical production employees to build and maintain a highly competent workforce.
• Coordinate and supervise all aspects of production, including planning, scheduling, budgeting, staffing, training, and monitoring.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and internal standards, while driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategies that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and boost overall productivity.
• Collaborate with cross-functional managers to plan production schedules, allocate resources effectively, and resolve operational issues.
• Conduct research and operational studies to identify and implement more efficient production methods.
• Oversee shift scheduling to ensure balanced workload distribution and appropriate staffing across production lines.
• Monitor production teams to ensure adherence to health and safety protocols and maintain a safe working environment.
• Partner with the Maintenance Manager on equipment and machinery maintenance to help ensure consistent and efficient operations.
• Analyze production issues and implement timely, effective solutions to minimize disruptions and improve workflow.
• Partner with the Quality Assurance team to ensure products meet established quality standards and specifications.
• Monitor and adjust production processes in real time to address problems and maintain operational flow.
• Implement and track performance metrics to ensure daily, weekly, and monthly KPI (Key Performance Indicator) targets align with company goals.
• Provide leadership and direction to 1st and 2nd shift managers to support consistent performance and team development.
• Adhere to Company policies and procedures in all duties, reflecting Company values in behavioral conduct both on-site and off.
• Uphold commitment to plant safety procedures and operate independently with strong business acumen.
• Possess a range of analytical and mechanical skills with a high tolerance for uncertainty in dynamic conditions.
• Fulfill any additional duties or projects as assigned, demonstrating flexibility and a proactive approach to meeting organizational needs.
• Regular attendance is required for the position.

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; or equivalent work experience required.
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience in manufacturing operations, with a strong track record of leading production teams in high-volume environments.
• Minimum of five (5) years of general management experience, preferably in a plant/production manufacturing environment.
• Proven expertise in production planning, scheduling, resource allocation, and budget management.
• Strong understanding of safety regulations, compliance requirements, and quality assurance standards.
• Hands-on experience with ERP/MRP systems and other manufacturing-related software.
• Proven ability to lead continuous improvement initiatives with a strong focus on cost control, production efficiency, and optimized scheduling; familiarity with Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong leadership and team development skills with the ability to manage across multiple shifts.
• Effective communicator with the ability to collaborate across departments and align teams to business goals.
• Mechanically inclined with a solid understanding of plant equipment and troubleshooting processes.
• Experience with robotics, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), and automation technologies to streamline manufacturing processes, increase throughput, and support smart factory initiatives.
• Highly organized, with strong time management, prioritization, and problem-solving skills.
• Flexible schedule with availability for variable hours, including evenings or weekends as needed.
• Commitment to safety, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Proficient in general computer systems and software applications.
• Must be able to present a Tuberculosis (TB) Clearance Certificate from a valid medical provider, as required by the State of Hawaii, Department of Health.

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and vibration and will occasionally be required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop; kneel; crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell.  The employee must occasionally lift, and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

• The position requires excellent and effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with all levels of the organization. Modes of communication include receiving and responding to written or verbal requests or instructions; composing written documents; reading; conversing on the phone; conducting meetings or visual presentations.

• Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• 1)       While performing the duties of this job, the employee is not exposed to weather conditions.
• 2)       The noise level in the work environment is normally moderate, but ranges from minimal to relatively high.

Hawaiian Host Group is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.