Pet Plant Operations Leader | Strategy, Safety & Growth

The J.M. Smucker Company; Topeka (KS); On-site; USD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

The J. M. Smucker Co. in Topeka, KS, seeks a Director of Operations to lead a major Pet manufacturing site onsite. You will shape the plant’s vision, develop people, and drive safety, quality, reliability, cost, and sustainability initiatives.

You will lead the site leadership team, partner with cross-functional groups, and connect plant priorities to broader business needs while strengthening the local community relations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership.
• Experience leading a plant or large operation.
• Experience implementing continuous improvement systems (Ops Excellence, TPM, Lean, Six Sigma, or HPO).
• Demonstrated success in leading, coaching, and developing leaders.
• Strong communication with cross-functional partners and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker who translates business priorities into action and measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Lead Plant Performance & Operational Excellence across safety, quality, cost, reliability, and capital projects.
• Oversee plant and supply chain performance with cross-functional partners.
• Drive implementation and continuous improvement of Operations Excellence and related systems.
• Champion Health, Safety and Environment and Quality expectations at the site.
• Set strategy and shape the future by developing master plans, budgets, and long-term roadmaps.
• Lead operational readiness for capital investments and new processes.

Skills

Plant leadership

Strategic thinking

Change management

Communication

Problem solving

Safety & quality

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

The J. M. Smucker Co. in Topeka, KS, seeks a Director of Operations to lead a major Pet manufacturing site onsite. You will shape the plant’s vision, develop people, and drive safety, quality, reliability, cost, and sustainability initiatives.

You will lead the site leadership team, partner with cross-functional groups, and connect plant priorities to broader business needs while strengthening the local community relations.