Associate Director, Site Operations

Campbell Soup Company; Ashland (OH); On-site; USD 147,000 - 201,000; Full time

Job summary

Campbell Soup Company in Ashland, OH, is seeking an Associate Director, Site Operations for a 120+ person Campbell’s Snacks bakery site producing Pepperidge Farms and Archway cookies. You will oversee safety, quality, maintenance, cost, and employee engagement, transforming the site into a high‑performing team environment.

The role requires strategic partnering with internal/external customers and continuous improvement leadership, with a strong focus on talent development and governance to

Qualifications

• 8+ years in manufacturing and supply chain with mid-sized operations.
• 5+ years of people management leading diverse teams.
• Experience in food manufacturing preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage daily plant operations through direct reports.
• Ensure safety, employee engagement, and talent development.
• Set clear goals aligning plant efforts with the organization's vision.
• Lead continuous improvement and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Collaborate with functions to drive plant and company objectives.

Skills

People management

Leadership

Operations leadership

Lean manufacturing

Education

HS Degree or GED

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations or Business Management

Job description

Since 1869, we've connected people through food they love. We’re proud to be stewards of amazing brands that people trust. Our portfolio includes the iconic Campbell’s brand, as well as Cape Cod, Chunky, Goldfish, Kettle Brand, Lance, Late July, Pacific Foods, Pepperidge Farm, Prego, Pace, Rao’s Homemade, Snack Factory, Snyder’s of Hanover. Swanson, and V8. Here, you will make a difference every day. You will be supported to build a rewarding career with opportunities to grow, innovate and inspire. Make history with us. Why Campbell’s… Benefits begin on day one and include medical, dental, short and long‑term disability, AD&D, and life insurance (for individual, families, and domestic partners). Employees are eligible for our matching 401(k) plan and can enroll on the first day of employment with immediate vesting. Campbell’s offers unlimited sick time along with paid time off and holiday pay. If in WHQ – free access to the fitness center. Access to on‑site day care (operated by Bright Horizons) and company store. Giving back to the communities where our employees work and live is very important to Campbell’s. Our “Campbell’s Cares” program matches employee donations and/or volunteer activity up to $1,500 annually. Campbell’s has a variety of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to support employees.

How you will make history here... The Associate Director, Site Operations, is responsible for managing plant operations of a 120+ person Campbell’s Snacks bakery site, making Pepperidge Farms and Archway cookies. The incumbent will ensure all key objectives are met, and will oversee and monitor performance for safety, quality, maintenance, cost, customer service, and employee engagement. This role oversees day‑to‑day activities across all departments and leads the transformation to a high‑performing, team‑based environment. The incumbent must be a strategic business partner with internal and external customers, suppliers, and peers throughout the organization. Excellent interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to drive continuous improvement using innovative tools and approaches. Key leadership requirements include inspiring trust, creating direction, driving decision‑making, building talent and culture, executing with excellence, and owning the results.

What you will do

Leadership

Manage daily plant operations through direct reports.

Workplace Objectives

Ensure that the operation meets key workplace objectives such as safety, employee engagement, and talent development and retention.

Alignment and Accountability

Establish clear goals that align the plant’s efforts with the organization’s vision; ensure synergies between people, processes, and strategies to drive flawless execution of business objectives.

Talent Development

Enhance organizational talent; build a competitively superior organization by attracting, developing, and retaining talent to ensure that people with the right skills and motivation are in the right place at the right time to meet business needs.

Strategic Planning

Develop and implement long‑term strategic plans which support the corporate strategic road map and ensure the vitality of the plant operation.

Continuous Improvement

Create a culture of continuous improvement in production, quality, and cost. Foster a culture of innovation and efficiency. Monitor performance metrics and lead cross‑functional teams to achieve sustainable improvements that align with organizational goals.

Corporate Collaboration

Work with various functions/business partners to drive plant and company initiatives, facilitate exemplary employee performance, and support company‑wide measurables.

Cost Reduction

Proactively seek opportunities for cost reduction and improved productivity, including process and performance improvements, waste reduction, and increased safety.

Performance Monitoring

Monitor key performance indicators to assess labor and variance to budget, yield dollars to budget, total delivered cost, and controllable expenses. Create and lead execution of action plans for any gaps. Also, direct plant performance to support enablers and capital expenditures.

Compliance

Champion quality, safety, and environmental policies, ensuring compliance with all legislative and regulatory responsibilities.

Governance

Establish a strong governance to review and control operational performance and continuous improvement plans, embedding a zero‑loss mindset across the site.

Standards and Compliance

Lead and be accountable for all manufacturing standards, governance, and compliance requirements, ensuring they are understood by all employees and regularly reviewed.

Stakeholder Engagement

Interface with key stakeholders throughout the organization.

Who you will work with

You will work with employees as the Ashland site and upper management.

What you bring to the table (must haves)

• HS Degree or GED
• 8+ years of experience in manufacturing and supply chain, with a solid track record in mid-smaller-scale operations, preferably in food manufacturing.
• 5+ years of people management experience demonstrating ability to lead diverse teams effectively in a high‑performance organization.

nice to haves

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations or Business Management, Supply Chains or Logistics
• Familiarity with P&L responsibility.
• Six Sigma Certification
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, Equipment Reliability, and Six Sigma
• Basic knowledge of Sales, Marketing, Supply Chain, and R&D interfaces.
• Prior experience in managing and leading a (select non-union/union) environment.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire teams, driving performance and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
• Proven experience in managing and developing talent, ensuring effective team dynamics and team engagement.
• Solid business acumen and strategic decision‑making abilities.
• Excellent communication and project management skills.
• Strong understanding of Quality Assurance, Food Safety, Safety Management, Logistics, and Warehouse Management.
• Highly proficient in MS Office and other digital productivity tools.
• Demonstrated ability to advance Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives through community engagement and servant leadership.

Compensation and Benefits

The target base salary range for this full‑time, salaried position is between $146,500-$201,400. Individual base pay depends on work location and additional factors such as experience, job‑related skills, and relevant education or training. Total pay may include other forms of compensation. In addition, we offer competitive health, dental, 401k and wellness benefits beginning on the first day of employment. Please ask your Talent Acquisition Partner for more information about our total rewards package.

The Company is committed to providing equal opportunity for employees and qualified applicants in all aspects of the employment relationship, including consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, marital status, protected veteran status, disability, age, religion, or any other classification protected by law.