Director of Operations
A rapidly growing manufacturer within the food production industry is seeking a Director of Operations to provide strategic and operational leadership for a flagship manufacturing facility in the Pacific Northwest. This role will oversee all aspects of plant performance, including production, maintenance, quality, safety, warehousing, and continuous improvement initiatives. The Director of Operations will be responsible for driving operational excellence, developing leadership talent, and supporting the company's growth objectives through strong execution and cross-functional collaboration.
Responsibilities
- Lead all manufacturing operations to achieve safety, quality, service, and financial performance objectives.
- Develop and execute operational strategies that align with company growth plans and long-term business goals.
- Provide leadership and mentorship to department leaders across production, maintenance, quality, engineering, warehouse, and supply chain functions.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, OEE, waste reduction, labor optimization, and cost savings.
- Establish and monitor KPIs to ensure operational performance, accountability, and continuous improvement across the facility.
- Champion a culture of safety, employee engagement, accountability, and operational excellence.
- Partner with executive leadership to identify opportunities for expansion, process improvement, and operational scalability.
- Lead annual operating plans, budgeting, forecasting, and capital investment initiatives.
- Ensure compliance with food safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements.
- Oversee major capital projects, equipment upgrades, and facility improvement initiatives.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree required; Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or related field preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience within Meat or Pet Food Manufacturing
- Prior experience leading multiple functional departments within a large manufacturing operation.
- Demonstrated success improving operational performance, profitability, and employee engagement.
- Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, TPM, or operational excellence initiatives.
- Experience managing plant budgets, capital expenditures, and strategic business planning.
- Proven ability to build high-performing teams and develop future leaders.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills with experience working closely with executive leadership.
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