Director of Operations

Fresh and Ready Food Group; Longview (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Fresh and Ready Food Group in Oak Creek, WI, seeks an Operations Director to serve as Site Leader, overseeing all facets of plant operations and building a high-performance team. You will drive safety, quality, productivity, and continuous improvement across the facility.

The role emphasizes lean transformation using TPS principles, with accountability for cost, on-time delivery, inventory, and regulatory compliance. You will mentor managers and collaborate cross-functionally to sustain growth.

Qualifications

• BA or BS in Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field.
• 5-10 years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or equivalent.
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing concepts.
• Proven track record of increasing responsibility and operational knowledge.
• Team-oriented with the ability to quickly build rapport.
• Positive energy and a proactive, change-agent mindset.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and takes initiative with full accountability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a high-performing team to maintain operational excellence.
• Champion safety awareness and implement lean techniques for a safe environment.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and sanitation standards.
• Oversee food safety programs including SQF, sanitation, and chemical control.
• Mentor managers and supervisors to build a winning culture.
• Drive continuous improvement using TPS Lean Manufacturing principles.
• Support enterprise-wide lean initiatives and cross-functional collaboration.
• Achieve year-over-year financial targets through cost-reduction projects.
• Manage materials replenishment, quality standards, and performance metrics.
• Demonstrate strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

Skills

Leadership

Lean Manufacturing

People management

Change-agent mindset

Education

BA/BS in Operations Management/Engineering

Job description

The Operations Director serves as the Site Leader for the Oak Creek, WI food manufacturing facility, overseeing all aspects of plant operations. This leadership role is responsible for building operational talent, driving continuous improvement, and implementing lean manufacturing practices to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.

Reporting to the Regional Director, the Director is accountable for delivering sustainable improvements in safety, productivity, quality, on-time deliveries, and inventory management while fostering a high-performance culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a high-performing team to maintain a competitive edge and exceptional customer service
• Champion safety awareness and implement innovative techniques to ensure a safe working environment
• Ensure strict compliance with all regulatory and company-defined food safety and sanitation standards
• Oversee critical food safety programs including SQF, sanitation, chemical control, and maintenance
• Maintain high visibility with employees and promote a hands-on, participative approach to problem-solving
• Drive continuous improvement using Toyota Production System (TPS) Lean Manufacturing principles
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and support enterprise-wide lean initiatives
• Achieve year-over-year financial targets through cost-reduction and continuous improvement projects
• Manage material replenishment methods, quality standards, and performance metrics
• Mentor managers and supervisors to build a winning culture and ensure strong succession planning
• Support product development initiatives to expand market share and potential
• Demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and presentation skills

Qualifications

• BA or BS in Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field
• 5-10 years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or equivalent
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing concepts
• Proven track record of increasing responsibility and operational knowledge
• Team-oriented with the ability to quickly build rapport
• Positive energy and a proactive, change-agent mindset
• Comfortable with ambiguity and takes initiative with full accountability

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and communication
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities
• Exposure to cold environments, moving mechanical parts, and varying noise levels on the factory floor
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities

Travel

• Must be willing to travel to customer and supplier sites