Director of Operations (47069)

Central Valley Meat Co; Hanford (CA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; 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, food safety, regulatory compliance, and continuous improvement across plant functions.

The role requires strong leadership, expertise in beef processing, and a strategic mindset to optimize productivity, quality, and supply chain efficiency. This is a day shift in a full-time, on-site facility.

Qualifications

• Proven manufacturing/operations management experience in a production setting.
• Strong knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP, GMP, and safety protocols.
• Leadership experience supervising cross-functional teams and driving improvements.
• Experience with production scheduling, analytics, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligning with company goals and regulatory requirements.
• Lead cross-functional teams and oversee plant operations, maintenance, and supply chain.
• Ensure HACCP, GMP, OSHA, and USDA compliance to maintain food safety and quality.
• Drive lean initiatives to improve process efficiency and reduce waste.
• Oversee production planning and schedule optimization with data-driven decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Operations management

Lean manufacturing

Food safety

USDA compliance

Data analysis

SAP

ERP systems

MS Excel

Education

2 Year Degree

Tools

SAP

ERP systems

MS Excel

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Central Valley Meat Company Inc - HANFORD, CA 93230

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: 2 Year Degree

Salary Range: $140,000.00 - $180,000.00 Salary/year

Travel Percentage: Up to 50%

Job Shift: Day

Job Category: Management

Job Overview

We 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.

Responsibilities

• Develop 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 compliance
• Drive 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.

QualificationsExperience

• Proven experience in manufacturing management or operations management within a production environment.
• Prior experience in food processing or meat product production is highly preferred
• Knowledge of USDA regulations, HACCP standards, GMP practices, and safety protocol adherence is essential
• Familiarity with manufacturing SOPs, sanitation procedures, and regulatory/legal compliance standards in production settings
• Strong attention to detail with a focus on food safety quality assurance management and regulatory compliance
• Experience with OSHA guidelines, food safety practices, and PPE use is desirable
• Strong 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 programs
• Prior 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.