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About the role

The Senior Director, Manufacturing Operations will lead the manufacturing operations at CJ Schwan’s Houston-area facilities, focusing on the bibigo® and Pagoda® brands. This role is critical for driving operational excellence, cost reduction, and business growth.

Responsibilities

• Own all aspects of plant operations to meet and exceed targets for quality, safety, cost, service, regulatory compliance, and production volume.
• Lead Continuous Improvement: Drive a culture of operational excellence through TPM, Lean, and OPEX methodologies, leveraging data and systems to optimize performance and reduce waste.
• Define and execute short- and long-term objectives focused on cost reduction, quality improvement, and new product integration, ensuring alignment with business growth goals.
• Maintain a safe, healthy work environment by eliminating hazards, training teams, and promoting proactive safety awareness.
• Partner on capital projects that enhance production capabilities and support future expansion.
• Lead, coach, and empower a diverse team across production, quality, maintenance, and engineering to achieve excellence and foster career growth.
• Build strong relationships within the company and local community, reinforcing our commitment to collaboration and shared success.

Requirements

• 8+ years of operations leadership in a large-scale, highly automated environment; food or CPG experience strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
• Demonstrated success driving business growth and operational improvements in fast-paced, complex environments.
• Authentic, direct communicator who builds trust and strong relationships at all levels.
• Deep knowledge of continuous improvement tools (TPM, OPEX, Lean); ability to use data-driven insights for decision-making.
• SAP experience a plus.
• Familiarity with FDA, USDA, and OSHA requirements highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of leading teams and driving operational excellence.
• Experience in a similar role within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety regulations and industry standards.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization and external partners.

Skills

• Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Leadership and team management abilities.
• Data analysis and interpretation skills.
• Project management and execution skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $153,000 to $255,00 annually, with eligibility for a 35% annual incentive bonus based on organizational performance.

Schedule

N/A

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits, time off programs, and retirement and financial offerings.

Contact

To apply, please email career.search@schwans.com.