Senior Director, Global Food Safety Operations

Neogen Corporation; United States; On-site; USD 210,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Neogen Corporation is seeking a Senior Director, Global Operations, Food Safety to provide enterprise-level leadership for a global manufacturing network. You will shape strategy, strengthen capability, and drive sustainable performance across safety, quality, service, cost, and delivery.

This role requires building high-performing teams, leading cross-functional initiatives, and ensuring readiness for new products with strong financial stewardship and strategic alignment to growth priorities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Natural Science, Manufacturing, Operations, or related discipline.
• Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading multi-site/global manufacturing teams.
• Proven experience in Lean, continuous improvement and cost optimization.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global Food Safety manufacturing strategy with capacity, footprint, and investment plans.
• Lead operational performance across multiple sites including safety, quality, service, and cost.
• Standardize operating systems and drive Lean and continuous improvement across the network.
• Collaborate with Commercial, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, EHS, Engineering, Finance, HR and R&D.
• Build and develop high-performing site and functional leadership teams through coaching and succession planning.
• Oversee annual operational planning, risk management, and readiness for new products.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

Operational excellence

Strategic thinking

Financial acumen

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/Natural Sciences/Manufacturing/Operations

Master's degree preferred

Job description

The Senior Director, Global Operations, Food Safety will provide enterprise-level leadership for a global manufacturing network, shaping strategy, strengthening operational capability, and delivering sustainable performance. This highly visible leadership role is responsible for advancing safety, quality, service, cost, delivery, capacity planning, and operational excellence while aligning manufacturing operations with broader business objectives and growth priorities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the global Food Safety manufacturing strategy, including long-term capacity, footprint, capital investment, and network optimization plans.
• Lead operational performance across multiple manufacturing sites, with accountability for safety, quality, customer service, delivery, productivity, cost, inventory, and working capital outcomes.
• Establish and deploy standardized operating systems, performance-management routines, Lean practices, and continuous improvement initiatives across the global network.
• Partner with Commercial, Supply Chain, Quality, Regulatory, EHS, Engineering, Finance, HR, and R&D teams to resolve enterprise operational risks and support strategic growth initiatives.
• Build and develop high-performing site and functional leadership teams through coaching, succession planning, capability development, and clear accountability mechanisms.
• Lead annual operational planning, risk management, business continuity planning, product transfers, technology changes, acquisitions integration, and manufacturing readiness for new products.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Natural Science, Manufacturing, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related discipline; a master's degree is preferred.
• At least 10 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in a complex operational environment.
• Demonstrated multi-site manufacturing leadership experience; experience leading global teams is preferred.
• Proven success driving operational transformation, scalable operating systems, Lean manufacturing practices, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including experience managing operational budgets, productivity programs, capital planning, and resource allocation.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills, with the ability to influence decisions and deliver results across a global organization.

What We Offer

• An excellent remuneration and benefits package.
• The opportunity to lead and shape the future of a global Food Safety manufacturing network.
• A strategic leadership position with broad enterprise visibility and meaningful impact on operational performance, customer service, and business growth.
• An inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives, professional development, accountability, and continuous improvement.