Director of Operations

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Continuously improve our Employee Safety systems, identify issues and solve them, and drive for a Zero mindset on employee injuries 

• Assure our Food Safety and Quality systems are in place, and overdeliver customer expectations 

• Work with our supply chain team to identify capacity constraints and make sure we can deliver our promise to our customer of 98.5% level customer service every month. 

• Implement our Guenther Performance Systems, our Lean approach to Manufacturing and drive proactive communication throughout every level of the organization. 

• Leverage our GPS approach to lead by example out on the floor and calibrating teams on performance where they work 

• Deliver 3-5% cost savings annually through identifying and executing projects to improve OEE, reduce product waste, reduce unnecessary costs, etc. 

• Create and drive annual business plans on People, Safety, Quality, Service and Costs 

• Lead the Plant teams and make sure everyone has clear goals, objectives and expectations on performance, and calibrate the team on results regularly 

• Monitoring daily operation schedules for all departments for accuracy and ensuring daily operational goals are realized 

• Provide strategic guidance to the organization through participation in cross functional meetings and data analysis on sales trends and cost performance. 

• Create a 3 – 5-year strategic plan for the facility that assures supply and maintains infrastructure needs, and can support the organizations growth strategy 

• Improve the facility stewardship and asset maintenance 

• Participate in new product development and planning by researching the cost and ability of producing the product 

• Lead the implementation of new product implementation for the facility. 

• Adhere to the approved operations annual budget and provide budget updates and adjustments as requested to Sr. Director and/or Vice President. 

• Flexibility to work non-standard hours as needed, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. 

• Performs all other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Job Requirements: 

Education/Certifications and Experience: 

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or other related field. 

• At least 10 years’ experience in a production facility; with a minimum of 3 years as a Plant Manager. 

• Preferred experience in the food manufacturing industry. 

• Lean Six Sigma certification is preferred. 

• Experience with ERP systems (SAP) and manufacturing software. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Proficient use of a computer, Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote), and other related applications or software. 

• Strong knowledge of food safety standards and regulations (HACCP, GMP, FDA guidelines, etc.). 

• Proven track record of managing large teams and driving continuous improvements. 

• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. 

• Ability to prioritize projects and clearly communicate direction internally and externally. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• Manage multiple direct reports including but not limited to: Sr. Manager(s), Manager(s), Team Leader(s). 

• Work requires supervising and monitoring work performance of direct reports including making final decisions on hiring and disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed. 

• Develop functional responsibilities of individuals that report to this position and ensure that best in-class output is created. 

Working Conditions and Physical Effort: 

• Primarily office-based, but regular presence in the plant is required to interact with plant operations, leadership, and staff. You may be required to visit different areas of the plant to observe operations and gather data where you will be exposed to unusual elements (dirt, dust, fumes, odors, noise). 

• Must be able to lift up and carry 25 pounds at times. 

• Travel on an as-needed basis, which may vary depending on business requirements (10%). 

Expectations: 

• Will demonstrate, promote, and exemplify the Company’s Core Values in People, Quality, and Growth.