Director of Operations

Korn Ferry; Town of Blue Mounds (WI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Korn Ferry seeks a Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership across production, logistics, and field operations, reporting to the CEO and guiding two Operations Managers. This role oversees multi-site manufacturing and fleet operations while partnering with Sales, Agronomy, Finance and Procurement to meet growth targets.

Ideal candidates have 10+ years in operations leadership, strong analytics, and a bachelor's in a related field.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive operations and/or supply chain leadership
• Experience leading multi-site or multi-team operations
• Strong analytical and budgeting skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration
• Safety-first mindset with risk mitigation
• Familiarity with DOT/fleet compliance and safety regulations
• Bachelor's degree in operations management, supply chain management, engineering, or related field
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the company's mission and growth plans
• Lead two Operations Managers and their teams to ensure safe, efficient production and logistics across locations
• Oversee production, manufacturing, logistics, and field operations
• Ensure on-time fulfillment of orders and services; manage supply chain targets with Procurement
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and environmental compliance
• Monitor budgets, costs, and key performance metrics; report to CEO and exec team
• Partner with HR on staffing, performance management and workforce planning

Skills

Strategic leadership

Budget management

Cross-functional collaboration

Safety management

DOT/fleet compliance

Process improvement

Education

Bachelor's degree in operations management or related field

Post-graduate degree (preferred)

Tools

ERP systems

Job description

Client is a leader in biological and sustainable agriculture, helping farmers build soil health and improve productivity through science-based programs and premium products. Our team is mission-driven, collaborative, and deeply committed to the long-term success of the farmers and land we serve.

Purpose of the Position

The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership and day-to-day oversight of company's operations function, ensuring efficient production, logistics, and field operations in support of the company's growth objectives.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this role leads two Operations Managers and their teams, encompassing CDL drivers, production specialists, manufacturing staff, and field operations personnel across two locations, while partnering closely with Sales, Agronomy, Finance, and Procurement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company's mission and growth plans
• Partner with the CEO and executive team (Sales, CFO, Agronomy, Research) on cross-functional
• initiatives
• Identify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and scale capacity
• Represent operations in company-wide planning and budgeting processes

Operations Management

• Oversee all production, manufacturing, logistics, and field operations activities across locations
• Ensure timely and accurate fulfillment of product orders and custom application services
• Work closely with VP of Procurement to maintain supply chain reliability and cost targets
• Maintain oversight of fleet operations, including DOT and driver compliance in coordination with company vehicle policy
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, quality, and environmental compliance across all operational areas
• Oversee QA / QC of Company’s products
• Other tasks assigned
• Lead, coach, and develop two Operations Managers and their respective teams
• Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and operational excellence
• Partner with Human Resources on hiring, performance management, and workforce planning
• Ensure adequate staffing levels through peak and seasonal demand cycles
• Develop and manage the operations budget; track and report on key performance metrics
• Monitor operational costs and identify savings opportunities without compromising quality or service
• Provide regular operational updates to the CEO and executive leadership team

Experience and Professional Qualifications

Required

• 10+ years of progressive operations and/or supply chain leadership experience, including direct management of multi-site or multi-team operations
• Demonstrated ability to lead frontline and supervisory staff in a production, logistics, or agriculture environment
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with experience managing operational budgets
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
• Safety-first mindset, ensuring risks are adequately mitigated throughout company operations
• Familiarity with DOT/fleet compliance requirements and safety regulations
• Bachelor's degree in operations management, supply chain management, engineering, or a related field
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.

Preferred

• Background in agriculture, agronomy, or agricultural products industry
• Experience overseeing custom application, soil health programs, or biological product distribution
• Familiarity with ERP or operations management systems
• Post-graduate degree in operations management, supply chain management, engineering, or a related field