Director of Operations

Job Title: Director of Operations

Location: Boulder, CO (Hybrid)

Who We Are:

Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Foods are united by a passion for innovation, adventure, and exceptional food. Backpacker’s Pantry, founded in 1951, has a rich history of creating gourmet freeze-dried meals that fuel unforgettable outdoor adventures. Astronaut Foods, established in 1974, brings the thrill of space exploration to life with fun, freeze-dried snacks. Based in Boulder, Colorado, both brands are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable products that inspire curiosity, exploration, and discovery. Together, we are building a legacy of creativity and excellence in the specialty food space.

Role Summary:

American Outdoor Products is looking for an experienced Director of Operations who is responsible for leading and coordinating all aspects of our operations – Manufacturing, Warehouse, Shipping, Quality Assurance, Supply Chain and Facilities/Maintenance. They will ensure that AOP Operations function at peak efficiency with proper staffing, training, communications and expectations; developing the operations teams while ensuring delivery of high-quality products that meet safety, cost, service, regulatory, and sales requirements. Reporting directly to our CEO, our ideal candidate has an extensive CPG background and deep understanding of managing all components of operations.

Responsibilities:

Management and Leadership

• Serve on the leadership team, collaborating on the development of annual operational plans, assessing organizational performance against budgets, KPIs, and strategic initiatives
• Oversee talent development, training, performance evaluation, and succession planning within operations teams, taking timely corrective actions in partnership with Human Resources as necessary to maintain optimal workforce effectiveness
• Manage, mentor, and develop the operations team, to ensure alignment with company and individual goals
• Collaborate cross-functionally with product development, operations, finance, and customer experience teams to ensure cohesive strategies around product launches, inventory planning, promotions, pricing, profitability targets, and customer satisfaction

Strategy

• Champion and embed a culture of continuous improvement throughout all operational areas, proactively identifying, recommending, and implementing initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize waste
• Provide strategic oversight and hands-on leadership across Warehouse, Shipping, Quality Assurance, Production, Supply Chain, and Facilities departments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and maintaining a "people-first" leadership approach
• Lead long-term operational strategy development, including planning, resource allocation, cost management, and execution aligned with the company’s strategic vision and growth objectives
• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance operational tools, systems, and processes to provide accurate, timely, and actionable insights to the leadership team, facilitating informed decision-making and effective strategy execution
• Oversee critical facility and equipment management strategies to minimize downtime, enhance preventive maintenance practices, and drive improvements in production capabilities for both existing and new products
• Bridge brand vision and manufacturing operations, embedding brand ethos into sourcing decisions, operational practices, fulfillment processes and supply chain strategies
• Lead the Annual Operating Plan (AOP) development for Operations, detailing strategic objectives and action plans across each operational area, while partnering with Finance to ensure accurate forecasting, demand planning, and alignment with company-wide financial goals
• Align operational resources, priorities, and initiatives consistently with overarching business strategies, ensuring the achievement of long-term organizational objectives

Operational Execution

• Ensure rigorous compliance and leadership in adhering to all company policies, regulatory requirements, quality standards, safety protocols, sanitation practices, and certifications such as OSHA, USDA, HACCP, Kosher, Organic, and Non-GMO
• Direct comprehensive programs essential to manufacturing excellence, including production processes, employee training, workplace safety, housekeeping, cost containment, employee engagement, and security
• Lead the management and optimization of production schedules, ensuring consistent achievement of on-time, in-full shipment targets of at least 98%
• Analyze operational and manufacturing reports, swiftly addressing and resolving any operational, manufacturing, or maintenance challenges to minimize costs and prevent disruptions
• Facilitate continuous and effective communication across departments to address and resolve operational priorities, challenges, and potential shortfalls promptly and proactively
• Direct strategic procurement and inventory management efforts, optimizing quality and cost-efficiency while aligning inventory levels with organizational objectives
• Drive the highest standards of Quality Assurance, ensuring exceptional quality across all products and processes
• Develop and implement strategic initiatives to minimize distribution and logistics costs while maximizing customer service and satisfaction

Reporting and Analytics

• Provide accurate weekly, monthly, and annual reports
• Communicate in a timely, efficient, and effective manner to update leadership on operational performance, opportunities, and challenges impacting our business, and ensure greater predictability and planning around potential issues

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Minimum 7-10 years of progressive operations leadership in small to mid size food manufacturing companies
• Strong analytical skills and experience using data to drive decision-making
• Experience managing P&L responsibility or budget ownership within operations functions.
• Track record of championing accountability, discipline, focus, and success
• Strategic thinking, with a high degree of problem solving and the ability to constructively participate in a team environment.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and collaboration skills
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders
• Ability to work from our Boulder office four days per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)
• Knowledge of outdoor recreation, camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities is a plus

Compensation & Benefits:

• Salary: $140-150K
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Unlimited PTO
• Paid holidays
• 401(K) retirement plan
• Employee profit-sharing program
• Product stipend and access to industry deals

AOP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Our commitment to equal opportunity applies to all aspects of employment.