Director of Operations

Central-Valley-Meat; Hanford (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Central Valley Meat Company seeks an experienced Director of Operations to lead our beef processing team in a USDA-regulated environment. You will oversee production, quality, safety, and supply chain activities while driving Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to optimize productivity and cost.

Strong leadership and regulatory knowledge are essential for success in this fast-paced facility. The role requires strategic thinking, cross-functional collaboration, and a proven track record of managing

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in manufacturing management or operations leadership in a production environment.
• Strong knowledge of HACCP, GMP, OSHA and USDA regulations and food safety practices.
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive continuous improvement projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals and production needs.
• Lead production, maintenance and supply chain management ensuring safety and quality.
• Drive Lean/Six Sigma initiatives to reduce waste and improve productivity.
• Manage production planning and scheduling for high-volume output.
• Foster leadership development and a culture of accountability and learning.

Skills

Lean manufacturing

Six Sigma

Leadership

Data-driven decision making

Cross-functional collaboration

Operations management

Regulatory compliance

Process improvement

Supply chain analytics

Project management

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

MRP

Job description

Job OverviewWe are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Operations to join our beef processing team in a USDA-regulated environment and lead the operations. The ideal candidate will play a vital role in overseeing meat product production, ensuring food safety, regulatory compliance, and high-quality standards. This position offers an opportunity to work within a fast-paced manufacturing setting, adhering to strict safety and sanitation protocols while contributing to the production of premium meat products. The ideal candidate will oversee production processes, implement continuous improvement initiatives, and ensure operational excellence across all plant functions. This role requires strong leadership skills, expertise in beef processing/manufacturing management systems, and a strategic mindset to optimize productivity, quality, and supply chain efficiency. The Director of Operations will play a pivotal role in driving operational success and fostering a culture of safety, food safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute comprehensive operational strategies aligned with company goals, focusing on operational management, process improvement, and business development.Lead and manage cross-functional teams, including supervising managers and fostering a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement.Lead and coordinate all aspects of plant operations, including production management, maintenance, and supply chain activities.Ensure strict adherence to HACCP, GMP, OSHA, and USDA regulations to ensure food safety and legal complianceDrive continuous improvement initiatives utilizing Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and lean management principles to enhance process efficiency and reduce waste.Manage production planning and scheduling to optimize resource utilization while maintaining high standards of quality.Oversee process improvement projects aimed at increasing productivity, reducing costs, and improving product quality.Supervise cross-functional teams including manufacturing staff, engineers, and supply chain personnel to ensure smooth communication and collaboration.Utilize Excel data analysis for performance metrics tracking, reporting, and decision-making support.Support sales growth and business development efforts by providing operational support.Ensure compliance with safety regulations and promote a safety-first culture across the plant.Implement manufacturing management systems to monitor operations, troubleshooting issues, and maintain high levels of operational excellence.Foster team development through leadership training, team leadership initiatives, and strategic planning sessions aimed at building a cohesive executive team.Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability, and continuous learning within the plant environment.Communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels via managerial communication skills to align objectives across departments.All other tasks as assigned by manager.ExperienceProven experience in manufacturing management or operations management within a production environment.Prior experience in food processing or meat product production is highly preferredKnowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP standards, GMP practices, and safety protocol adherence is essentialFamiliarity with manufacturing SOPs, sanitation procedures, and regulatory/legal compliance standards in production settingsStrong attention to detail with a focus on food safety quality assurance management and regulatory complianceExperience with OSHA guidelines, food safety practices, and PPE use is desirableStrong background in production management systems such as SAP, ERP systems, MRP, and supply chain analytics.Demonstrated expertise in process improvement methodologies including Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and lean management.Strong leadership skills with experience supervising teams at an executive level; capable of motivating diverse groups toward common goals.Proven managerial experience in a senior operations role within a complex business environment.Extensive background in profit & loss management, financial oversight, and data-driven decision making.Experience with production scheduling, planning, and execution in a high-volume manufacturing setting.Excellent leadership skills with the ability to manage cross-functional teams effectively.Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis and reporting purposes.Proficiency in Microsoft Office programsPrior experience implementing continuous improvement initiatives that resulted in measurable operational enhancements.This position offers an opportunity to lead a forward-thinking manufacturing facility committed to excellence through innovative practices and strategic leadership and an engaging opportunity for individuals committed to maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety in meat processing. Candidates should be prepared to work in a regulated environment that emphasizes compliance with all applicable laws and guidelines.Central Valley Meat Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates are evaluated and selected based on their qualifications for the job in question. We do not base our employment decisions on employee's or applicant's citizenship, race, age, color, sex, religion, natural origin, sexual orientation, handicap, or disability, marital status, veteran status, reproductive health decision making, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.Central Valley Meat participates in E-Verify during the hire process for all new Team Members.