Operations Performance Lead in Sauget, Illinois at GardenCore LLC

GardenCore is seeking an Operations Performance Lead (OPL)- Southwest Region. The Operations Performance Lead is an integral role that supports all Operations Performance initiatives at the company level to maximize efficiencies. This role will assist the local facilities in understanding and achieving goals that will drive financial results along with employee satisfaction. The OPL is a full-time hands-on, dedicated influencer, focused on delivering Operations Performance Systems (OPS) and driving improvements across sites at each company. Operations Performance Teams goal is to improve GardenCore into a world class manufacturing operation, driving financial improvement and employee satisfaction.

Job Location

This is an onsite role based out of one of our manufacturing locations.

Job Responsibilities

The Operations Performance Lead reports directly to the General Manager or Vice President of Operations and is responsible for:

• Train, mentor, and support site teams in achieving operational objectives.
• Provide OPS coaching and onboarding for new and existing site leaders.
• Lead group training sessions on OPS tools, methodologies, and best practices.
• Plan, prepare, implement, monitor, and follow up on improvement initiatives.
• Use dashboards and reporting tools, including Tableau, to monitor performance and identify improvement opportunities.
• Lead company performance reviews and ensure accountability for action items.
• Work directly with site leadership to execute improvement plans.
• Conduct regular site visits and audits to ensure compliance with the Five Plant Fundamentals.
• Implement and monitor OPS tools and initiatives across all facilities.
• Drive continuous improvement efforts to increase productivity, efficiency, and operational performance.
• Support sites in maintaining maintenance programs and parts room management systems.
• Assist with identifying and implementing new maintenance best practices and tools.
• Solve production and equipment-related challenges.
• Support capital improvement projects.
• Analyze manufacturing processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement plans to improve throughput and efficiency.
• Lead the implementation of future OPS solutions and initiatives.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in relevant field including engineering, management/finance, IT or
• 5+ years of experience in the manufacturing field
• 3 + years of demonstrated track record of driving improvements in operations or related field
• Very strong analytical skills - ability to analyze volumes of data, synthesize and communicate
• critical findings
• Communication skills that work with both a frontline manufacturing environment and an
• executive team
• Must be able to travel up to 50% of the time

Compensation

• Base Salary of $85,000 - $100,000 per year
• Paid Time Off - 104 hours per calendar year (pro-rated in first year)
• 401k Plan
• Short Term and Long Term Disability benefits
• Nine paid Holidays per year
• Opportunity for annual bonus

What GardenCore Offers You

• Highly competitive base pay
• Comprehensive medical, dental and disability benefits programs
• Group retirement savings program
• An inclusive culture that values opportunity for growth, development, and internal promotion

About GardenCore

GardenCore is a leading U.S. manufacturer of lawn and garden consumables, offering a broad portfolio of mulch, soil, stone, and lime products. The Company has deep, long-standing partnerships with major home improvement retailers and garden centers, and delivers consistent, high-quality execution across large-scale private label and branded programs. The Company has over 1,400 employees and operates 58 manufacturing facilities across the United States.

GardenCore, is an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer.

EOE/Vet/Disability

GardenCore is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

AI tools may be used in certain stages of the employment lifecycle, such as candidate review; however, all final employment decisions will be made by a person.