Director of Operations (Baked Goods) - Saint Paul, Minnesota

MissionHires; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MissionHires is searching for a Director of Operations (Baked Goods) in Saint Paul, Minnesota. This key position oversees production operations in a high-volume baking facility, emphasizing operational excellence, cost control, and team leadership.

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of experience in baking production and 5 years in a leadership role. Responsibilities include driving continuous improvement efforts and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a baking production facility.
• At least 5 years of experience leading a facility.
• Experience with Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of strategies to maximize operational effectiveness.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, productivity, and quality.
• Own financial results of plant operations.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Lean/Six Sigma

Technical knowledge of baking equipment

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Education

Bachelor's degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Food Science

Job description

MissionHires is seeking a Director of Operations (Baked Goods) to lead end-to-end production operations across all shifts, overseeing production, maintenance, scheduling, sanitation, warehouse, safety, quality, HR collaboration, regulatory compliance, budgeting, and continuous improvement for a high-volume baking facility. This role drives operational excellence, cost control, people leadership, and on-time delivery while supporting Lean/Six Sigma and new product introductions.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and implementation of strategies to maximize operational effectiveness and meet growth objectives
• Achieve business objectives while creating an accident-free workplace and delivering safe, quality products
• Drive continuous improvement in safety, productivity, product quality, customer service, work life quality, and manufacturing costs
• Own financial results of plant operations including annual manufacturing budget, cost analyses, and cost containment initiatives
• Adhere to and manage updates to the approved annual operations budget with the VP of Operations
• Provide managerial direction to manufacturing with a focus on continuous improvement and cost reduction
• Allocate resources (people, time, budget) to meet departmental goals and objectives
• Provide indirect leadership of HR activities to ensure strong employee relations and legal compliance
• Foster effective communication, coaching, development, and performance feedback across teams
• Maintain positive Employee Relations and support a union-free environment
• Direct maintenance to ensure facility and equipment readiness for operational goals
• Lead product planning and materials management to maintain efficient inventory levels
• Support warehouse and distribution to ensure on-time customer deliveries
• Provide indirect leadership to Quality Assurance, maintaining product integrity and GMPs
• Assist in establishing quality specifications and ensure adherence by plant teams
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory agencies
• Verify GMP and safety standards are maintained and address deficiencies promptly
• Monitor and validate daily operational schedules for accuracy and attainment of goals
• Track and report KPIs (quality, service, safety, cost) and align facility leadership on goals
• Conduct daily walkthroughs across all operational areas and maintain visibility on all shifts
• Provide strategic guidance through active participation in leadership meetings
• Participate in new product development, assessing cost and manufacturability
• Communicate and help implement new product production plans with supervisors
• Champion and support Lean and Six Sigma initiatives in the facility

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required; preference for Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Food Science
• Minimum 10 years of experience in a baking production facility
• At least 5 years of experience leading a facility
• Working knowledge and hands‑on implementation/maintenance of SQF Level III Certification in manufacturing
• Strong technical knowledge of baking equipment, products, and processes
• Excellent communication, coaching, and people leadership skills
• Self‑motivated, results‑oriented, and highly organized
• Receptive to performance feedback and able to respond positively
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office
• Demonstrated success in safety, quality, budgeting, cost control, inventory, maintenance, warehouse/distribution, GMP, and regulatory compliance
• Experience with Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies and tools