**confidential*** director of ops (1142964)

About the role

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.

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 Schedule

This 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.