Director, Fresh Production

Our client located in the Bronx, NY is a facility that produces fresh product in the prepared foods, meals to go and other perishable categories. We are seeking a Director of Production to drive manufacturing efficiencies, as well as ensure high product quality and consistency, throughout the company’s retail stores and wholesale customers.

Position Summary:

The Director of Fresh Production is a pivotal role responsible for managing all aspects of fresh food production at the manufacturing and production site, including personnel, schedules, quality, and safety. They are responsible for the achievement of all operational and financial performance aspects of the facility.

Key Responsibilities of this Role:

• Oversee the daily operations of the fresh production to ensure efficiency and smooth workflow, prioritizing the optimization of receiving, storage, and shipment processes.
• Formulate and manage the center's budget, striving to achieve financial goals while implementing cost-effective measures that uphold quality standards.
• Guide and support a diverse team, promoting an inclusive atmosphere that nurtures professional development and accountability.
• Establish and uphold stringent quality control protocols to guarantee that all perishable goods adhere to the highest safety and freshness standards.
• Create and enforce policies and procedures for distribution processes to ensure they are optimized and comply with established standards and regulations.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives aimed at enhancing profit, ROI, and process efficiencies through Lean methodologies.
• Leverage cutting-edge technology and innovative processes to maximize operational efficiency.
• Facilitate culinary innovation and product commercialization, focusing on product lifecycle, retail pricing, nutritional information, shelf life, and utilizing technical expertise in mass food production.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements and cultivate a culture of safety.
• Work collaboratively with senior management to align operations with the organization's broader goals and strategies.
• Engage with retail store managers to comprehend their requirements and ensure the timely and precise delivery of products.

Experience and Skills Required:

• Proven leadership skills with the ability to drive change and enhance operational efficiency in a fast-paced environment.
• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in business or logistics) and/or equivalent experience.
• 9 - 12 years of experience.
• 10 years of progressive distribution management experience.
• Experience with Lean and Six Sigma methodologies to optimize processes and reduce waste.
• Ability to develop strategic initiatives that align with company goals and improve overall performance.
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and translate findings into actionable strategies.
• Proficiency in SAP software, including its various modules and functionalities, is preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively collaborating with on-site USDA inspectors, including a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance standards, is also preferred.
• Ability to manage and adapt to technological advancements and integrate new solutions into existing operations.
• Experience in regulatory compliance and ensuring operations adhere to industry standards and safety protocols.
• Capacity to handle high-pressure situations and make informed decisions to resolve issues promptly.
• Knowledge and familiarity with standards (ISO, GMP, SQF, HACCP, etc.)
• Proficient in MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP software.
• Flexible schedule based on business needs.

Core Competencies of the Role:

• Ensures Accountability: Follows through on commitments and makes sure others do the same; Acts with a clear sense of ownership; Takes personal responsibility for decisions, actions and failures; Establishes clear responsibilities and processes for monitoring work and measuring results; Designs feedback loops into work.
• Business Insight: Knows how businesses work and how organizations make money; Keeps up with current and possible future policies, practices, and trends in the organization, with the competition, and in the marketplace; Uses knowledge of business drivers and how strategies and tactics play out in the market to guide actions.
• Action Oriented: Readily takes action on challenges, without unnecessary planning; Identifies and seizes new opportunities; displays a can-do attitude in good and bad time; Steps up to handle tough issues.
• Manages Ambiguity: Deals comfortable with the uncertainty of change; Effectively handles risk; Can decide and act without the total picture; Is calm and productive, even when things are up in the air; Deals constructively with problems that do not have clear solutions or outcomes.
• Collaborates: Works cooperatively with others across the organization to achieve shared objectives; Represents own interests while being fair to others and their areas; Partners with others to get work done; Credits others for their contributions and accomplishments; Gains trust and support of others.
• Drives Results: Has a strong bottom-line orientation; Persists in accomplishing objectives despite obstacles and setbacks; Has a track record of exceeding goals successfully; Pushes self and helps others achieve results.
• Communicates Effectively: Is effective in a variety of communication settings: one-on-one, small and large groups, or among diverse styles and position levels; Attentively listens to others; Adjusts to fit the audience and the message; Provides timely and helpful information to others across the organization; Encourages the open expression of diverse ideas and opinions.
• Plans and Aligns: Sets objectives to align with broader organizational goals; Breaks down objectives into appropriate initiatives and actions; Stages activities with relevant milestones and schedules; Anticipates and adjusts effective contingency plans.