Director of Operations

Job Summary:
We are seeking a results-driven Plant Operations Director to lead our protein products division, overseeing all aspects of plant operations to ensure excellence in safety, quality, efficiency, cost management, and customer satisfaction. This role requires a strategic leader with a strong background in meat processing and a passion for building and developing high-performing teams. You will be responsible for driving continuous improvement, optimizing production, and fostering relationships with key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership (40%)

• Oversee and manage daily plant operations, ensuring production efficiency, yield maximization, and waste minimization.
• Develop and implement operational standards to meet and exceed departmental and company objectives.
• Ensure compliance with all regulatory and company guidelines while driving a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

Team Leadership & Development (20%)

• Lead, mentor, and develop a workforce of up to 300 employees through subordinate managers and supervisors.
• Assign work, provide training opportunities, conduct performance evaluations, and create a motivated, engaged work environment.
• Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and professional growth.

Stakeholder & Vendor Management (15%)

• Build and maintain strong relationships with customers, suppliers, and vendors to enhance company reputation and business success.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive operational and customer-focused improvements.

Performance Analysis & Continuous Improvement (15%)

• Audit and evaluate operational procedures, safety protocols, quality control measures, and efficiency metrics.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with a zero-loss mindset, ensuring accurate and timely reporting for data-driven decision-making.

Strategic Collaboration & Communication (5%)

• Lead weekly management review meetings to analyze performance, discuss key data insights, and drive strategic decision-making.
• Clearly communicate operational goals, challenges, and strategic initiatives to key stakeholders.

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

• Perform other duties as assigned to support the overall success of the business.

Leadership Scope

• Directly manage up to 300 employees through a team of managers and supervisors.
• Foster a culture that prioritizes safety, quality, and operational efficiency.

Performance Expectations

• Safety First: Promote a culture of safety and ensure strict adherence to safety protocols.
• Quality Excellence: Maintain the highest standards in food safety and product quality, minimizing customer concerns and excelling in audits.
• Cost Optimization: Improve yield efficiency, minimize waste, and drive cost-saving initiatives.
• Continuous Improvement: Lead a zero-loss culture by identifying and implementing process enhancements.
• Employee Engagement: Create a positive work environment that attracts and retains top talent.
• Sustainability: Achieve facility sustainability targets and drive responsible operational practices.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• 7-10 years of experience in a meat processing environment, with increasing levels of management responsibility.

Required Knowledge & Skills:

• Expertise in: Budget management, meat processing operations, quality assurance, regulatory compliance, and safety.
• Strong leadership skills: Ability to manage, motivate, and develop teams in a fast-paced, high-performance environment.
• Analytical & problem-solving abilities: Capability to assess operational challenges, implement solutions, and optimize efficiency.
• Excellent communication skills: Ability to engage effectively with employees, stakeholders, and customers.
• Commitment to company values:
  • Treat others as you would like to be treated.
  • Produce the best quality products.
  • Deliver fair value to customers.
  • Uphold the highest standards.