Director of Operations - Pet Plant Leadership

The J.M. Smucker Co.; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

The J.M. Smucker Co. in Topeka seeks a Director of Operations to lead our Topeka Pet Food manufacturing site, shaping strategy and driving safety, quality, cost, and continuous improvement. You will develop the plant leadership team and align operations with the broader Pet business.

You will own the plant vision, lead capital projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of accountability and high performance while building community partnerships in Topeka.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required (minimum).
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing experience.
• Successful experience leading a plant or large manufacturing operation.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement or high-performing work systems (e.g., TPM, Lean, Six Sigma, HPO).
• Demonstrated success leading, coaching, and developing leaders.
• Strong strategic thinking with ability to translate priorities into action and measurable results.
• Strong problem-solving, organizational, and prioritization capabilities.
• Excellent communication skills with cross-functional partners and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall plant performance across safety, quality, cost, reliability, and capital project management.
• Drive Operations Excellence and HPO adoption to deliver sustainable results.
• Champion Health, Safety and Environment and plant quality expectations.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Communication

Problem solving

Coaching & development

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

The J.M. Smucker Co. in Topeka seeks a Director of Operations to lead our Topeka Pet Food manufacturing site, shaping strategy and driving safety, quality, cost, and continuous improvement. You will develop the plant leadership team and align operations with the broader Pet business.

You will own the plant vision, lead capital projects, ensure regulatory compliance, and foster a culture of accountability and high performance while building community partnerships in Topeka.