Director of Plant Operations - Lean & Safety Leader

Richelieu Foods; Prospect Heights (IL); On-site; USD 170,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401K with company match

Paid time off

Short-term and long-term disability

Life insurance

Job summary

Richelieu Foods, Inc. is seeking a Director of Plant Operations to lead the facility's manufacturing, safety, and quality programs. You will partner with senior leadership to drive cost-efficient production and continuous improvement.

You will build high-performance teams, implement Lean Six Sigma, ensure regulatory compliance, and sustain a workplace culture that emphasizes safety and employee engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive operations experience in a high-volume, food manufacturing environment.
• 5+ years of management experience.
• Formal training in SQF, Food Safety & Quality, FDA FSMA, GMP.
• USDA experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations and ensure safety and quality.
• Develop high-performance operations team and succession planning.
• Manage four divisions: Manufacturing, Maintenance, Materials, Operational Excellence.
• Drive continuous improvement and Lean Six Sigma projects.
• Ensure budget adherence and cost controls.

Skills

Operations leadership

Strategic thinking

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Team-building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or related field

SQF, Food Safety & Quality, FDA FSMA certifications

USDA experience (preferred)

Tools

Lean Six Sigma

5S

Job description

Richelieu Foods, Inc. is seeking a Director of Plant Operations to lead the facility's manufacturing, safety, and quality programs. You will partner with senior leadership to drive cost-efficient production and continuous improvement.

You will build high-performance teams, implement Lean Six Sigma, ensure regulatory compliance, and sustain a workplace culture that emphasizes safety and employee engagement.