Dairy Plant Director of Operations

The Director of Operations will be responsible for the leadership and management of the packaging and processing departments from raw milk receiving through finished good palletizing. This critical leadership role will be responsible for developing the strategies and systems for the state of the art, greenfield plant currently under construction in the Rochester, NY area. The Director of Operations will be accountable for the associated safety, quality, productivity, and financial targets across plant operations.

Responsibilities:

Responsible for the development of strategic initiatives, tactics, and standing up management systems to ensure vertical start up and continuously improve results in safety, quality assurance, productivity, and cost savings within the processing and packaging department of the plant

Responsible for operations across aseptic and ESL platforms. Mastery of Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and operation of a dairy manufacturing.

Develop and deploy operational systems, standard work, and operational routines to build collaboration and ownership of the team. Ensure strategies are understood and objectives are clearly set throughout operations team.

Drive a strong safety culture and ensure commitment to all health and safety policies, GMP policies, and regulatory requirements.

Leverage dairy knowledge, mechanical knowledge, and technical expertise to lead the team in delivering a vertical start-up of the new plant along with sustained productivity results

Grow a team of capable leaders and operators with an ownership mindset by establishing effective training and development programs and work standards

Partner with relevant stakeholders to ensure production plans are in accordance with plants processing capacities and capabilities and planned downtime supports operational efficiencies.

Develop operational expense budgets and labor budgets for organization structure.

Lead the team in developing strong problem solving skills to address root cause of efficiency losses in a fast-paced environment to meet business objectives.

Communicate and engage with the workforce at every level to build trust, continuity, and collaboration throughout the teams, consistently demonstrating collaborative & positive culture.

What you need to bring to this winning team

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related discipline required.

A minimum of 7-10 years of management experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities outlined.

Aseptic processing preferred. Dairy, brewing, pharmaceutical or food manufacturing experience considered.

Proven ability to identify and mitigate quality and safety risks throughout the operation

A proven track record of implementing TPM or LEAN management systems.

Skilled in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures

Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills and proven track record of developing and coaching people. Proven track record of developing future leaders.

Ability to manage performance, coach and provide feedback. Ability to use data to develop KPIs and performance goals for team.

Working knowledge of information technology and information systems such as ERP, MRP, MES, SCADA and business analytics

Ability to build, lead and inspire a diverse workforce to believe in better and collaborate with a 1-Team mindset

Knowledge of cost accounting, budgeting, or fiscal management principles and procedures

Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment