Director of Operations
Our client is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead the integration of a newly acquired manufacturing facility into existing operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing food and beverage manufacturing plants, particularly with perishable food products. This role will be responsible for overseeing daily operations, optimizing processes, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and driving synergy between the existing plant and the newly acquired site.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the seamless integration of a recently acquired manufacturing facility into the current operational framework.
- Manage end-to-end production operations, focusing on optimizing efficiency and output while maintaining product quality and safety.
- Oversee production planning, inventory management, and distribution to ensure alignment across sites.
- Implement operational best practices to reduce costs, increase productivity, and improve sustainability.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration with departments including R&D, Supply Chain, and Finance to align operations with business goals.
- Develop and manage the operational budget, identifying opportunities for cost savings without compromising product quality.
- Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing operations team across both sites.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance process efficiency, waste reduction, and capacity utilization.
- Ensure timely reporting and analysis of key performance indicators (KPIs) to support data-driven decision-making.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- 10+ years of experience in food and beverage manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
- Demonstrated experience in managing operations for perishable food products.
- Proven success in integrating new facilities or acquisitions into existing operations.
- Strong knowledge of food safety regulations, certifications (HACCP, SQF), and industry best practices.
- Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Strong analytical abilities and a track record of improving operational efficiency.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
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