Director of Rendering

About the role

Farmers Union Industries, LLC is seeking a Director of Rendering to oversee operations across multiple divisions. The role is based in Redwood Falls, MN or one of the divisional offices, with potential for remote work.

Responsibilities

• Direct and oversee the daily operations of FUI’s rendering, pet food ingredient, and used cooking oil divisions
• Develop and implement strategies aligned with company goals and growth initiatives
• Establish performance metrics and monitor production efficiency, yield, downtime, profitability, cost control, safety, and quality
• Develop and manage operational budgets; identify ways to reduce costs and improve margins
• Support capital planning, facility expansions, equipment upgrades, and operational improvement projects
• Oversee the Complex Managers of each location; guide and provide advice on production processes and schedules and adherence to customer specifications and expectations to ensure high levels of consistency and excellence
• Develop team members, conduct performance reviews, support workforce training programs, and consider succession planning initiatives
• Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, USDA, FDA, state environmental, and other applicable regulatory agencies; steward environmental programs related to wastewater, air emissions, odor control, waste management, and sustainability
• Lead environmental incident investigations, corrective actions, and risk mitigation efforts
• Remain current on developments in manufacturing including, but not limited to, new technology and changes in regulations
• Maintain oversight of maintenance initiatives, fleet/transportation operations, food safety and quality certifications, and other areas of the business, as needed
• Collaborate with C-Suite Leadership and other FUI Directors to identify areas of strategic growth and expansion; develop strong relationships with external industry leaders and other partners
• Travel between Long Prairie, Waite Park, and Redwood Falls, MN and Estherville, IA plants, as necessary (percentage of annual travel will vary depending on base location)

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, engineering, industrial technology, business administration, agriculture, animal science, or related field, preferred; MBA or advanced degree, a plus
• 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in animal by-product processing, pet food ingredient manufacturing, food processing, biofuels, waste management, or related industries
• Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role with multi-site responsibility
• Demonstrated experience managing complex manufacturing and logistics operations
• Strong financial acumen, budgeting, and P&L management
• Prominent analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
• Familiarity with USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA, HACCP, GMP, and SQF regulations
• Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ERP systems, operational reporting tools, and performance management systems

Benefits

The role offers a competitive salary along with a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, an impressive 401K match, and much more!

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

Skills

Willingness to consider alternative arrangements that support operations

Pay

Competitive salary

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm