Director of Operations-Human Nutrition

Barentz North America, LLC; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 130,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Barentz North America, LLC seeks a Director of Operations-Human Nutrition in Oakbrook Terrace, IL. This full-time role leads customer service, purchasing, warehousing and logistics, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence across the division.

The position requires strategic leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and a proven track record in managing production, inventory, and service levels to support Barentz’ growth objectives.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in logistics, purchasing, customer service, inventory management, freight and warehousing.
• Strong leadership and communication skills with focus on KPI-driven performance.
• Fluent in English with ability to collaborate across functions.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the operations function including customer service, sales support, warehousing, logistics, purchasing and production.
• Drive operational metrics and continuous improvement initiatives aligned with Barentz values.
• Lead a high-energy, results-oriented team and develop direct reports.
• Ensure safety, housekeeping and equipment maintenance across facilities.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to deliver growth and margin expansion.
• Manage inventory levels, expiring stock, and aging days while optimizing OPEX.
• Lead S&OP initiatives and coordinate with commercial teams to improve performance.
• Support the integration and effective use of ERP/CRM and TMS systems.

Skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Negotiation

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Prioritize work

Business relationships

Microsoft Office

English fluency

Tools

ERP/CRM systems

OverDrive

TMS

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Director of Operations-Human Nutrition

Full-time Regular Management Oakbrook Terrace, IL, Oakbrook Terrace, IL, US

3 days ago Requisition ID: 1222

Salary Range: $130,000.00 To $150,000.00 Annually

The Director of Operations is key to the successful operation of the designated business, including, but not limited to customer service, administration, purchasing, and logistics. This position’s responsibilities may be completed personally or through direct reports. In addition, the Director of Operations will analyze and implement operational and strategic initiatives to achieve success and continuous improvement.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Position/Department

• Oversee the overall operations function, which may include Customer Service, Sales Support, Warehousing and Logistics, Purchasing, and Production
• Execute and support divisional operations metrics to achieve Barentz’ overall objectives, consistent with corporate practices
• Foster a positive, team oriented and results driven culture that is aligned with Barentz’ values and fundamentals
• Approve and suggest quality procedures and processes, identify opportunities for continuous improvement and support and lead initiatives where necessary
• Participate in Safety committees and ensure compliance throughout the assigned division
• Identify and make recommendations for short- and long-term departmental strategies
• Maintain a safe and clean work environment and ensure housekeeping program is followed and maintained
• Responsible for ensuring equipment maintenance is performed regularly for operated facilities
• Evaluate new equipment and techniques and make recommendations to improve
• Identify necessary resources, tools, and/or people to achieve departmental objectives
• Monitor metrics, analyze trends monthly and take action to improve productivity and operational performance
• Participate in various projects individually and/or as a representative of the Operations team
• Manage healthy inventory levels in line with objectives for DIO, expiring and days aging
• Responsible for driving OPEX improvement in responsible areas
• Host S&OP meetings with commercial teams to drive improved performance
• Support commercial and divisional leadership to deliver growth initiatives and margin expansion opportunities

Leadership/Teamwork

• Hire, promote, and develop direct reports and provide effective leadership with ongoing motivation, communication, and development opportunities
• Lead by example by demonstrating top-notch skills and strategies
• Focus on creating a high-energy, productive operations culture
• Monitor KPIs and set benchmarks for individual and team success
• Establish specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that are aligned with the Company’s overall strategic priorities
• Regularly evaluate and provide performance feedback, identify strengths and opportunities for individuals as well as the team
• Coach the team and individuals within it to ensure they are performing at their best
• Foster a culture of recognition by acknowledging and celebrating outstanding performance and success
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (sales, marketing, production, sales support) to ensure initiatives support organizational goals
• Provide leadership and overall management for Production, Customer Service, Purchasing, Logistics, and Warehouse departments
• Work closely and collaborate with all departments to improve communications, implement efficiencies and increase our ability to Create Customer Success
• Full ownership for operational teams and performance of the division

Continuous Improvement/Problem Solving

• Provide vision and leadership for designing, developing, and implementing continuous improvement initiatives and programs that create customer and/or business value
• Ensure continuous improvement initiatives and programs are reliable, cost effective, and strategically sound, as well as reflecting the qualities that align with company goals
• Seek opportunities to share best practices with the team, support staff and other divisions
• Improve the level of service offered to our customers and suppliers via unique and new service initiativesIdentify and implement improved inventory management practices

Systems

• Serve as a “power user” and champion of our ERP, CRM, OverDrive and TMS systems with the ability to support existing staff and help onboard new users
• Optimize the performance of BRM and other systems through training, tools, and performance measurement
• Utilize system capabilities and new technologies to create efficiencies and improve on processes
• Support and lead by example, following Barentz’ purpose, strategies, and values
• Act legally and ethically in all professional relationships in adherence with Barentz’ culture, values and fundamentals
• Contribute to an environment of trust and mutual respect
• Maintain a strong commitment to teamwork and concern for others
• Maintain a high level of personal responsibility and ownership
• Use effective communication and listening skills
• Foster an inclusive and diverse workplace where every team member feels valued and respected

Learning and Development

• Seek out and participate in ongoing growth and personal development opportunities
• Embrace and promote Barentz’ learning and development culture
• Make recommendations and support ongoing development for all direct and indirect reports

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Demonstrated experience in logistics, purchasing, customer service, inventory management, freight and warehousing

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Effective written and verbal communication skills and the ability to adapt communication style to the audience as needed
• Demonstrated exceptional organizational, presentation, negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong calculation, organizational, attention to detail and problem-solving skills
• Self-motivated, high energy, and engaging level of enthusiasm and positive outlook
• Must be able to effectively prioritize work assignments for self and others
• Ability and desire to develop meaningful/productive business relationships at all levels
• Software knowledge of Microsoft Office including Outlook, Word, Excel and Power Point
• Fluent in English, a second language would be considered an asset