Location: Turtle Lake, WI
Compensation: $100,000–$125,000 base salary + performance-based incentives
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Senior Executive Leadership
The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing day-to-day operations at a high-volume manufacturing and processing facility. This role oversees production, quality, safety, maintenance, supply chain, and workforce management to ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on operational leader with experience in regulated manufacturing environments and a strong focus on continuous improvement.
Operational Leadership
Oversee daily facility operations to meet production, quality, cost, and delivery targets.
Develop and execute operational plans aligned with company goals and growth initiatives.
Monitor and improve key performance indicators including efficiency, yield, downtime, labor utilization, and cost control.
Drive operational consistency, standardization, and accountability across departments.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
Lead internal and external audits, inspections, and corrective action initiatives.
Maintain and enhance quality assurance, food safety, and workplace safety programs.
Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.
People Leadership
Lead, coach, and develop plant leadership, supervisors, and frontline teams.
Partner with HR on staffing, training, performance management, and labor planning.
Foster a positive, results-driven culture focused on accountability and engagement.
Ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies.
Supply Chain & Inventory Management
Oversee procurement of raw materials, packaging, and operational supplies.
Manage inventory levels to balance service, quality, and cost.
Coordinate logistics and distribution activities to meet customer requirements.
Financial & Strategic Management
Develop and manage operating budgets and capital investment plans.
Identify opportunities for cost reduction, productivity gains, and margin improvement.
Support strategic initiatives such as capacity expansion, process improvements, and new product introductions.
Collaborate with executive leadership on long-term operational strategy.
Maintenance & Continuous Improvement
Oversee preventative maintenance and equipment reliability programs.
Champion Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement initiatives.
Evaluate and implement process improvements, automation, and new technologies.
Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
7–10+ years of operations leadership experience in manufacturing or processing environments.
Strong knowledge of regulated production environments and compliance requirements.
Proven experience managing large, hourly workforces.
Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, KPIs, and operational performance.
Preferred
Experience in high-volume or multi-shift manufacturing operations.
Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar certification.
ERP and production planning system experience.
Hands-on, decisive leadership style
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
Results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset
Comfortable working in fast-paced production environments
Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives
Opportunity to lead a critical operation with significant impact
Stable organization with long-term growth potential