Operations Director

Kansas Ag Connection; Kansas City, Northern (KS, KY); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kansas Ag Connection is seeking a results-driven plant operations leader to oversee 2–4 manufacturing facilities nationwide. You will partner with Plant Managers to drive safety, quality, service, and cost objectives while aligning with divisional strategies.

The role requires 8+ years in manufacturing, including plant manager experience in food/beverage, plus expertise in continuous improvement. You will coach site leaders, drive budgeting processes, and ensure compliance with GMPs and

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years in manufacturing with plant manager experience, preferably in food and beverage.
• Proven track record of improving quality, safety, service and cost.
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and coaching to Plant Managers to improve safety, quality, customer service, productivity and financial performance.
• Monitor plant performance and ensure operational goals are achieved.
• Identify operational risks and implement corrective actions.
• Execute Continuous Improvement initiatives across assigned facilities.
• Drive standardization of manufacturing processes, operating procedures and performance metrics.
• Support implementation of Manufacturing Operating Systems.
• Coach and develop Plant Managers and site leadership teams.
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Budgeting

Project management

Continuous improvement

Communication

Strategic thinking

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Undergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred

Job description

Remote (Open to candidates located anywhere in the US)

General Purpose

Provide leadership and operational support to 2–4 manufacturing facilities to achieve safety, quality, service, cost, and financial objectives. Partner with Plant Managers to execute divisional strategies, improve operational performance, develop leadership capability, and ensure consistent implementation of company standards. Serve as the primary operational coach for assigned facilities while supporting strategic initiatives established by senior leadership.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and coaching to Plant Managers to improve safety, quality, customer service, productivity and financial performance.
• Monitor plant performance and ensure operational goals are achieved.
• Identify operational risks and implement corrective actions.
• Execute Continuous Improvement initiatives across assigned facilities.
• Drive standardization of manufacturing processes, operating procedures and performance metrics.
• Support implementation of Manufacturing Operating Systems.
• Coach and develop Plant Managers and site leadership teams.
• Build succession plans within assigned facilities.
• Promote a culture of accountability, engagement and continuous improvement.
• Execute divisional operating plans established by senior leadership.
• Support annual budgeting and capital planning for assigned facilities.
• Ensure capital projects are executed successfully within assigned plants.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, food safety requirements, GMPs and regulatory standards.
• Promote environmental, sustainability and safety initiatives.
• Collaborate with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, Maintenance, Commercial and Finance to resolve operational issues.
• Support customer service objectives through reliable execution.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Undergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred
• 8 or more years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, including plant manager experience in food and/or beverage manufacturing with significant financial responsibility
• Proven track record of improved results in the areas of quality, safety, service and cost
• Experience with continuous improvement methodologies

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of the division’s strategy, goals and objectives
• Strong insight into the organizational structure and stakeholder needs
• Strong technical understanding of food processing and ingredients; strong knowledge of manufacturing process flow and importance to process, of continuous improvement models, and of regulatory laws and responsibilities as it relates to facility standards
• Able to develop plans that connect business strategies and the daily operations of the plants
• Able to achieve and maintain credibility and respect within the organization
• Able to exercise independent judgment and take action
• Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks
• Strong customer service orientation
• Strong project management skills
• Strong understanding of budgeting and cost control
• Able to lead and inspire people and achieve results through others
• Able to build relationships with individuals across the organization
• Able to interact and communicate effectively with employees and customers at various levels, including persuasive communication
• Able to understand the importance of managing the “people” issues related to the project
• Able to demonstrate a high level of comfort in changing environment and ability to adapt approach as the environment and requirements change
• Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism
• Logical and efficient, with keen attention to detail
• Must be able to read, write and speak English

Travel

50%-75% (up to 2 weeks per month)

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans