Operations Director

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc.; Kansas City, Northern (KS, KY); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. is seeking a senior operations leader to provide coaching and oversight across 2–4 manufacturing facilities. You will drive safety, quality, service, and financial results, partner with plant managers, and execute divisional strategies.

This remote role requires strong leadership, manufacturing expertise, and a track record of improving outcomes. Responsibilities include risk assessment, standardization, budgeting, and capital planning support, with 50%-75% travel.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 8+ years in manufacturing with plant manager experience and significant financial responsibility.
• Proven track record 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 goals are achieved.
• Identify operational risks and implement corrective actions.
• Execute Continuous Improvement initiatives across facilities.
• Drive standardization of processes, SOPs and metrics.
• Support implementation of Manufacturing Operating Systems.
• Develop Plant Managers and site leadership teams.

Skills

Plant management

Operational leadership

Continuous improvement

Budgeting & cost control

Food safety & GMPs

Regulatory compliance

People leadership

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

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.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent
• 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 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

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans

We endeavor to make this site accessible to any and all users. If you would like to contact us regarding the accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us: [e-mail] or 877-215-8701.