Director of Operations: Lean Excellence & Growth

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 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.