Director of Operations

L.A. Darling; Paragould (AR); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

L.A. Darling Company LLC in Paragould, AR is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead all manufacturing and operational activities, driving safety, quality, delivery, and profitability while supporting growth and customer satisfaction.

You will oversee manufacturing, planning, logistics, maintenance, and continuous improvement initiatives, partnering with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, and Sales to meet site objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, supply chain, or business required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing and operational functions to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.
• Develop and execute operational strategies to support growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, delivery, and cost performance.
• Lead production planning, scheduling, inventory management, logistics, and material flow.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence.
• Establish and monitor KPIs and ensure accountability for results.
• Lead budgeting, cost control, capital investments, and productivity initiatives.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, and Sales.
• Build and coach a high-performing operations leadership team.

Skills

Manufacturing operations

Inventory management

Logistics

Maintenance

KPI management

Data-driven decision-making

Lean Manufacturing

Continuous Improvement

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Operations Management/Supply Chain/Business

MBA or advanced degree preferred

Tools

ERP systems

Manufacturing planning systems

Job description

L.A. Darling Company LLC

As a part of the global industrial organization Marmon Holdings-which is backed by Berkshire Hathaway, you'll be doing things that matter, leading at every level, and winning a better way. We're committed to making a positive impact on the world, providing you with diverse learning and working opportunities, and fostering a culture where everyone’s empowered to be their best.

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead all manufacturing and operational activities within our LA Darling facility. This strategic leadership role is responsible for driving safety, quality, delivery, productivity, profitability, and employee engagement while supporting business growth and customer satisfaction.

As a key member of the leadership team, you will oversee manufacturing, planning, logistics, maintenance, and operational excellence initiatives while partnering closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, Human Resources, and Sales to achieve site and company objectives.

What You'll Do

• Lead all manufacturing and operational functions to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support business growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive improvements in safety, quality, productivity, delivery performance, and operational efficiency.
• Lead production planning, scheduling, inventory management, logistics, and material flow to meet customer demand.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence initiatives.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and ensure accountability for operational results.
• Lead budgeting, cost control, capital investments, and productivity improvement efforts.
• Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Finance, HR, and Sales to resolve challenges and achieve business goals.
• Build, develop, and coach a high-performing operations leadership team.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

What We're Looking For

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain, Business, or a related field required.
• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Experience

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing or operations leadership experience.
• 5+ years leading leaders and multiple operational functions in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven success driving improvements in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost performance.
• Experience leading strategic planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence business outcomes.

Skills & Expertise

• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, production planning, inventory management, logistics, and maintenance.
• Experience implementing Lean Manufacturing, Operational Excellence, and Continuous Improvement programs.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and operational performance metrics.
• Expertise in KPI management, root cause analysis, and data-driven decision-making.
• Experience with ERP and manufacturing planning systems.

Why Join Us?

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact on a growing manufacturing organization. You'll play a key role in shaping operational strategy, developing talent, driving continuous improvement, and delivering results that support long-term business success.

Following receipt of a conditional offer of employment, candidates will be required to complete additional job-related screening processes as permitted or required by applicable law.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and all applicants will be considered for employment without attention to their membership in any protected class. If you require any reasonable accommodation to complete your application or any part of the recruiting process, please email your request to [e-mail], and please be sure to include the title and the location of the position for which you are applying.