Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

Job Title: Area Manager Packaging & Warehouse

Location: Mishawaka, IN

Department: Operations

Reports to: Director of Plant Operations

Job Type: Exempt

About United Petfood:

United Petfood is a private label producer of high-quality dry & wet pet food, biscuits and snacks. We are a Belgian family business with 25 high-tech pet kitchens in Europe and the US.

Joining us, means joining an international, passionate and driven team with one common goal: a healthy planet filled with healthy pets! But it doesn’t stop there: we truly care about building encouraging, supportive, long-lasting partnerships, both inside as well as outside of our fast-growing family company. By only working with the very best ingredients and most innovative technology available, we ensure a spot in which you can grow, bloom and make thousands of pets happy worldwide!

Position Summary:

The Area Manager – Packaging & Warehouse is responsible for leading and managing daily operations across both packaging and warehouse functions. This position is a hands-on leadership role that ensures packaging lines and warehouse logistics run safely, efficiently, and in compliance with GMP, quality, and safety standards. Reporting directly to the Director of Plant Operations, this role drives execution of schedules, oversees inventory and shipping accuracy, and leads continuous improvement initiatives to improve service, cost, and quality.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

- Directly lead and support packaging and warehouse employees to achieve production, safety, and quality goals.
- Provide training, coaching, and cross-training to ensure employees are competent in their assigned roles.
- Foster a positive and engaged team environment, encouraging accountability and teamwork.
- Address employee performance, attendance, and conduct issues promptly and fairly.

Packaging Operations

- Oversee adherence to daily packaging schedules and ensure lines meet budgeted performance rates.
- Manage raw and packaging material usage, changeovers, and troubleshooting to minimize downtime.
- Ensure compliance with GMP, HACCP, and customer requirements for packaging.
- Maintain plant cleanliness and organization to meet audit and quality standards.

Warehouse Operations

- Manage daily shipping, receiving, and inventory control activities.
- Coordinate with corporate logistics to ensure accurate and timely outbound shipments.
- Ensure accuracy of documentation, labeling, and finished goods inventory management.
- Track and report key warehouse KPIs such as picking efficiency, dock status, load times, and inventory accuracy.
- Lead physical inventory counts and cycle counting programs.

Continuous Improvement & Compliance

- Drive Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement activities in both packaging and warehouse.
- Identify and implement value-added and cost-saving initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with all safety, GMP, and food safety regulations.
- Participate in internal and external audits; implement corrective actions as needed.

Communication & Coordination

- Act as the key link between packaging, warehouse, production, and plant leadership.
- Lead employee communication meetings and daily shift handoffs.
- Provide clear and consistent updates to the Director of Plant Operations on performance, challenges, and opportunities.

Workplace Safety:

- Ensure compliance with all workplace safety policies and procedures.
- Actively identify, report, and correct unsafe conditions.
- Participate in and lead safety training and observation programs.

Quality & Food Safety:

- Complete and verify all food safety and quality documentation.
- Preserve the integrity of BRC certification by enforcing compliance with all procedures.
- Report and resolve food safety or quality issues in a timely manner.

Position Requirements:

- Bachelor’s degree in Management, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
- 5+ years of leadership experience in packaging, warehousing, or manufacturing.
- Food manufacturing or pet food industry experience highly preferred.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and engage frontline employees.
- Solid problem-solving and decision-making skills in fast-paced environments.
- Proficiency in MS Office and ERP or warehouse management systems.
- Forklift experience/certification preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

- Regularly required to walk, stand, climb, balance, and communicate clearly.
- Must be able to lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.
- Work environment includes exposure to moving machinery, airborne particles, heat/cold, and loud noise.

Our Values in Action:

• We Aim Higher – Deliver quality and efficiency on every pallet; continuously look for ways to improve our processes.
• We Make It Work – Solve problems quickly and keep production moving; flexibility and a hands-on mentality are key.
• We Grow United – Collaborate with your team and support colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• We Do What’s Right – Follow safety, quality, and operational standards; act responsibly in all tasks.
• We Thrive on Passion – Bring energy, care for animals, and dedication to producing top-quality pet food.

Equal Opportunity Employer: United Petfood Producers USA Inc. is an equal opportunity workplace. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

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