Director of Operations

Judge Direct Placement is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to lead plant operations, drive production excellence, and support strategic growth initiatives at a food manufacturing plant.

Reporting directly to the Vice President of Operations, this executive-level leader will oversee all production activities, ensure operational efficiency, maintain high standards of quality and safety, and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

This is an outstanding opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader with significant food production experience and a passion for operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight for all production operations across multiple shifts.
• Direct and support Production Managers in achieving operational, quality, safety, and efficiency goals.
• Manage daily production schedules to ensure customer demand and production targets are met.
• Continuously monitor labor utilization and production costs to maximize efficiency and profitability.
• Establish and manage Production Manager schedules, staffing plans, and vacation coverage.
• Evaluate and monitor managerial performance and operational execution.
• Collaborate closely with Maintenance, Quality Assurance, and Research & Development teams to ensure seamless production execution.
• Drive plant cleanliness, food safety, workplace safety, and regulatory compliance initiatives.
• Lead continuous improvement efforts focused on productivity, quality, waste reduction, and operational effectiveness.
• Participate in management reviews, assessments, and strategic planning activities.
• Serve as a secondary point of contact for facility security matters.

Qualifications

Required

Bachelor's degree in Business, Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Manufacturing, or a related field.5-10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in Director-level or senior operations roles.

Strong track record leading operations within large-scale manufacturing environments.

Demonstrated success managing production teams, driving operational improvements, and achieving key performance metrics.

Experience developing and implementing operational procedures, production controls, and workforce management strategies.

Preferred

Master's degree in a related discipline.

Experience within a food manufacturing environment.

Experience working for a food manufacturer with revenues exceeding $100 million.

Knowledge of hot-fill manufacturing technology.

Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma certifications and experience.

Experience with internal and competitive benchmarking initiatives.

Physical &

Work Environment

Requirements

• Ability to regularly sit, stand, walk, and move throughout a manufacturing facility.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed.
• Frequent presence on the production floor, including varying seasonal temperatures.
• Ability to work in a food manufacturing environment where nuts, fruits, and other allergens may be present.
• Strong vision, communication, and interpersonal skills required.

Work ScheduleThis is a full-time, exempt leadership position primarily working first-shift hours. Additional hours, including evenings and weekends, may be required to support business needs.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

Join a stable and growing manufacturing organization.

Lead high-impact operational initiatives.

Play a key role in shaping plant performance and continuous improvement efforts.

Work alongside an experienced executive leadership team.

Competitive compensation and benefits package.

Interested?

If you are a results-driven manufacturing leader with a passion for operational excellence, process improvement, and team development, we encourage you to apply.#JDP