Director of Packaging Operations — Scale & Automation

Hunter Shore Group; Texas; On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Hunter Shore Group partners with a premium dairy brand to create a Director of Packaging Operations in Wisconsin. You will own a high-volume, automated packaging department and drive capital expansion projects with new lines, robotics, and advanced packaging technology.

You will lead a 24/7 operation, apply data-driven improvements using OEE and other KPIs, and ensure safety, quality, and regulatory compliance while scaling capacity for future growth.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership in dairy or food processing.
• Deep knowledge of automated manufacturing systems and high-volume packaging formats.
• Experience with Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and scale a 24/7 packaging operation.
• Drive continuous improvement using key metrics (OEE, waste, labor efficiency).
• Oversee capital projects including new line installations and start-ups.
• Maintain top safety, quality, and regulatory compliance (SQF, HACCP, FDA/USDA).

Skills

8+ years of leadership

automated manufacturing systems

high-volume packaging

continuous improvement (Lean Six Sigma

Tools

OEE tracking

Job description

We have partnered with an established, premium dairy food brand that operates with the high-energy, fast-paced mindset of a "multi-million start-up." Following a massive greenfield facility launch and record-breaking operational success, they are undergoing a major expansion and creating a brand-new Director role to lead their packaging department.

This is a rare opportunity to avoid inheriting decades of rigid, legacy practices. Instead, you will have the autonomy to shape routines, build technical capabilities, and scale a manufacturing operation that is on track to double its capacity over the next two years.

The Opportunity: "Packaging is Your World"

As the Director of Packaging Operations, you will take full ownership of a high-volume, automated packaging department. You aren't just managing the floor; you are driving the execution of millions of dollars in capital expansion projects, installing new state-of-the-art lines, and scaling up advanced high-speed technology (including thermoformers, vertical baggers, and robotics).

How you will make an impact:

• Lead & Scale: Coach and champion a 24/7 production team, strengthening frontline leadership and building a high-performing culture.
• Drive Continuous Improvement: Utilize data and key performance metrics (OEE, waste reduction, labor efficiency) to optimize advanced packaging processes.
• Oversee Capital Projects: Play a vital role in upcoming new line installations, commissioning, and technical start-ups.
• Maintain Gold Standards: Deliver top-tier employee safety, product quality, and strict regulatory compliance (SQF, HACCP, FDA/USDA).

Who You Are

This role is built for a hungry, inquisitive, and highly collaborative leader who thrives in growth and ambiguity. You are someone who thinks ahead, reads operational situations well, and takes complete accountability without needing to be directed.

• The Experience: 8+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership within dairy.
• The Background: Deep knowledge of automated manufacturing systems, high-volume packaging formats, and continuous improvement frameworks (Lean, Six Sigma). Experience with refrigerated foods, dairy, or cheese is highly preferred.
• The Leadership Style: Humble enough to spend your first 90 days learning the floor, the people, and the processes before executing sweeping strategic changes. You are a true team player who steps in when colleagues or team members are struggling.
• The Mindset: Accountable, data-driven, and flexible enough to support a round-the-clock plant operation when critical milestones or installations require your expertise.