Director of Plant Operations

SUMMARY The Director of Plant Operations is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of Keystone Potato Products, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and adherence to food safety and quality standards. This role leads management, production, maintenance, and continuous improvement efforts while fostering a culture of safety, teamwork, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee daily fresh pack and tray line operations to meet production goals while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
• Oversee daily fresh cut and whole peel and ACA operations to meet production goals while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
• Oversee weekly dehy operations (when in operation) to meet production goals while maintaining high quality and safety standards.
• Develop and implement operational strategies to maximize efficiency, minimize downtime, and optimize throughput.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to production efficiency, waste reduction, and labor utilization.
• Serve as a productive and contributing member to the Masser Family of Companies Executive Team.
• Promote the 28 Masser Fundamentals at KPP and work to improve culture and "team."
• Work to strengthen internal and external business relationships to improve alignment and develop and execute a strategy and action plan to maintain and improve those relationships.
• Live and breathe the annual Keystone Potato Products budget. Work with the VP of Budget to develop annual budgets and monitor performance with budget vs actual on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis.
• Collaborate with the Secretary of the KPP BOD to hold 2 annual meetings, keep board informed of important issues and opportunities.
• Monitor and control headcount (match to budget), monitor and manage OT, utilize temporary services as needed, work with SMI to share employees or balance labor pools.
• Regularly review KPP shift and organizational structure to ensure it is functioning effectively and efficiently.
• Work to produce a plan to effectively operate dehy production given inconsistent annual run schedules.
• Work directly with the SMI Director of Fresh Cut/Dehy sales to grow KPP sales of fresh cut and dehydrated potato products.
• Lead the effort to develop annual KPP capital project requests for the BOD.
• Collaborate with supply chain and sales teams to align production schedules with demand forecasts.

• Lead, mentor, and develop plant managers, supervisors, and production teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Implement employee training programs to enhance skill development and engagement.

• Ensure full compliance with USDA, FDA, GAP/GHP, HACCP, and other food safety standards.
• Work closely with the Quality Assurance team to maintain and enforce product quality standards.
• Develop and oversee standard operating procedures (SOPs) for food safety, sanitation, and quality control.

• Oversee maintenance programs including FMX to ensure reliability and longevity of packing equipment and infrastructure.
• Partner with maintenance teams to implement preventive maintenance schedules and minimize downtime.
• Ensure strict adherence to OSHA and workplace safety regulations to maintain a safe working environment.

• Identify and implement process improvements, automation, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Utilize Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies to drive operational efficiency.
• Stay informed on industry trends and technology advancements in packing and processing to enhance plant performance.
• Other duties as required

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in operations management, Food Science, Agriculture, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 7-10 years of experience in plant or operations management, preferably in food processing, fresh produce packing, or agricultural operations.
• Proven experience leading teams in a fast-paced, high-volume production environment.
• Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, HACCP, GMPs, and OSHA requirements.
• Experience with inventory management, production scheduling, and cost control.
• Ability to troubleshoot equipment and process issues effectively.
• Excellent leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills.