DIRECTOR OF MANUFACTURING

This is a high growth company getting ready to scale US operations. They have been a key supplier for the retail food business for years and continue to expand their reach. They are setting the foundation for key

strategic growth in 2024 and beyond and are looking for a key leader for their manufacturing plants.   

RESPONSIBILITIES

The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for leading key central operations functions at the manufacturing plant facilities. This critical role involves ownership of the Manufacturing P&L, spearheading continuous improvement, enhancing, and driving efficiencies and cost savings in production, maintenance, quality, and delivery. This role will also be a key contributor to the company’s growth strategy and will also be a leader for all manufacturing operations. This person will work with the COO, Director of HR, Quality, and Supply Chain teams to ensure operational excellence and align with the company’s overall strategy.

• Operations Process Ownership & Improvement: Assume full ownership of the P&L and operational processes, focusing on their continuous improvement and effectiveness. Develop, refine, and enforce Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), ensuring they are efficient, scalable, and aligned with industry best practices.
• Drive Efficiencies: Work to find gaps in production, maintenance and continue to resolve issues and implement standards that increase OEE.
• Operational Excellence: Spearhead strategies to achieve operational excellence, optimizing workflow and resource utilization. Monitor operational performance, identify areas for enhancement, and implement solutions that drive efficiency and quality in all aspects of the operation.
• Production Planning: Develop and manage comprehensive production planning strategies. Ensure these plans are robust, adaptive to changing demands, and executed with a focus on maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste.
• Continuous Improvement: Champion continuous improvement initiatives within the organization. Utilize lean methodologies and other improvement.
• Advance Employees: Work with the Sr Director of HR to implement pay for performance, metrics, training with the objective of advancing the skills and abilities of employees.
• Cross-functional collaboration: Act as a key liaison between the operations department and other areas of the company. Facilitate effective communication and collaboration, ensuring that operational decisions and changes are well-coordinated and aligned with the needs and goals of the entire organization.

REQUIRMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 4 YEAR COLLEGE DEGREE – MBA or advanced degree Preferred.
• Six Sigma certification – Lean or other certifications in continuous improvement methodologies

·        At least 15 years of operations management experience in a food manufacturing facility

·        Experience as a Plant Manager – prefer management of multiple facilities or large facilities.

·        Extensive experience in operational leadership, preferably within a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Ready to eat food preferred.

• Proven track record in implementing and introducing and leading continuous improvement initiatives.
• Expertise in integrating and optimizing technology within operational processes.
• Success in developing employees for promotion and cross training for multiple functions.
• Proficient in advanced production planning techniques and methodologies.
• Demonstrated ability in applying lean manufacturing principles and Six Sigma methodologies and other efficiency-improving methodologies.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead and inspire a diverse team.
• Strategic thinker with an ability to make data-driven decisions.