Assistant Director of Operations- Charlotte, NC

Fresh & Ready Foods; Charlotte (NC); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Retirement Plan

Health and Wellness Programs

Discount Marketplace

Identity Theft Protection

Job summary

Fresh & Ready Food Group is seeking an Assistant Director of Operations in Charlotte, NC to support the Director in leading production, safety, quality, and performance within our ready-to-eat facility. You will develop frontline leaders, drive continuous improvement, and ensure lean processes align with strict food safety standards.

The ideal candidate has 5–7+ years of leadership in food manufacturing, a Lean mindset, and strong communication and analytical skills to influence cross-functional

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field or 8+ years of relevant leadership experience in lieu of a degree.
• 5–7+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or a similar environment.
• Strong preference for ready-to-eat, fresh food, or short shelf-life production experience.
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.
• Proven track record of operational success and increasing leadership responsibility.
• Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop high-performing teams focused on safety, quality, and throughput.
• Champion proactive safety culture and ensure compliance with food safety and regulatory standards (including SQF).
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean TPS methodologies and cross-functional initiatives.
• Oversee material flow, production standards, and performance metrics to meet targets.
• Support financial targets through cost reduction and process improvements; communicate performance insights to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

Safety & Compliance

Operational Excellence

Team Coaching

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Operations/Business/Engineering

Job description

Job Summary

Reports to: Director of Operations

Environment: Ready-to-Eat (RTE) Food Manufacturing Facility

At Fresh & Ready Food Group, we specialize in fresh, high-quality, ready-to-eat solutions delivered with speed, safety, and innovation. As Assistant Director of Operations, you will support the Director in leading all aspects of production, safety, quality, and performance within our manufacturing facility. This role is critical to executing operational strategies, developing frontline leaders, and driving continuous improvement aligned with Lean manufacturing and strict food safety standards.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Development

• Build and lead high-performing teams focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence
• Coach and develop managers and supervisors, strengthening leadership and succession pipelines
• Maintain strong floor presence with a hands-on, problem-solving approach

Safety & Compliance

• Champion a proactive safety culture and implement best-in-class safety practices
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards (including SQF and related programs)

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing and TPS methodologies
• Support cross-functional initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, and throughput
• Oversee material flow, production standards, and performance metrics

Financial & Strategic Impact

• Support financial targets through cost reduction, waste elimination, and process improvements
• Contribute to product innovation and ready-to-eat program growth
• Prepare and communicate operational performance insights to leadership

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field or 8+ years of relevant leadership experience in lieu of a degree
• 5–7+ years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or a similar environment
• Strong preference for ready-to-eat, fresh food, or short shelf-life production experience
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement practices
• Proven track record of operational success and increasing leadership responsibility
• Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills

Work Environment & Travel:

• Active, hands-on role requiring time on the production floor
• Exposure to temperature-controlled environments and manufacturing equipment
• Ability to travel occasionally to customer or supplier sites

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Hands-on leader with strong experience in ready-to-eat or fresh food production
• Continuous improvement mindset with proven Lean experience
• Safety- and quality-driven, with strong regulatory awareness
• Collaborative and people-focused, with the ability to build strong teams
• Results-oriented, balancing strategic thinking with day-to-day execution
• Adaptable and resilient in a fast-paced, high-growth environment

Associates at Fresh & Ready Food Group are offered many fantastic benefits.

Full-time and part-time positions offer the followingbenefitsto associates:Retirement Plan,Associate Shopping Program,Health and Wellness Programs,Discount Marketplace,Identity Theft Protection,Pet Insurance,Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program

Full-time positions also offer the following benefitsto associates:Medical,Dental,Vision,Life Insurance/AD,Disability Insurance,Commuter Benefits,Employee Assistance Program,Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)

Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here or copy/paste the link below for paid time off benefits information.

https://www.compass-usa.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/2023_WageTransparency_FreshIdeas.pdf

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry

Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.

Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity.

Certain positions may require Florida Level 2 background screening. Details: https://info.flclearinghouse.com/

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

Fresh and Ready Foods maintains a drug-free workplace.

Pay Range: 120,000.00- 130,000.00
*Internal Employee Referral Bonus Available

Please note that employees in this role will work in a temperature-controlled environment with exposure to cold conditions for extended periods of time.

Application Deadline: applications are accepted ongoing until all openings are filled for this position. If an applicant is declined due to the position being filled, they may still be considered for future opportunities and are always welcome to reapply.

Diversity of thought and inclusion for all is what drives our success - we invite you to start your journey with us today!