Job Description

A well-established food manufacturing company with over a strong reputation in its space is seeking a Director of Operations. The organization is experiencing continued growth and actively investing in new equipment, facility improvements, and operational modernization—making this an exciting time to join.

This is a high-impact leadership role with full ownership of plant operations. You’ll have the opportunity to drive real change, improve processes, and build a high-performing team in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operations Leadership

• Oversee production, warehousing, logistics, and maintenance
• Ensure safe, efficient, and compliant operations
• Manage budgets and operational planning

Team Leadership

• Lead and develop managers across key functions
• Build a collaborative, accountable culture
• Support hiring, training, and workforce planning

Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements in processes, workflows, and equipment
• Support automation and operational efficiency initiatives

Food Safety & Quality

• Maintain SQF, HACCP, and food safety programs
• Ensure audit readiness and regulatory compliance
• Address customer quality concerns

Performance Management

• Own KPIs including production, inventory accuracy, and on-time shipping
• Monitor metrics and implement improvements

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 7–10+ years of operations leadership in manufacturing
• Experience across production, logistics, and inventory/ERP systems
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills

Preferred

• Food manufacturing experience
• Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, and food safety standards
• Experience in small-to-mid-sized operations
• Conversational Spanish

Why This Role

• Full operational ownership and visibility
• Opportunity to make immediate impact
• Growing company investing in modernization
• Stable, established organization

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.