Job Description

Director of Operations

Western Wisconsin | Dairy Manufacturing

A well-established dairy manufacturer is seeking an experienced Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership across multiple plant functions and help drive the next phase of organizational growth.

This is an excellent opportunity for a proven manufacturing leader who thrives on developing people, improving performance, strengthening accountability, and partnering with executive leadership to build a high-performing operation. The Director of Operations will play a critical role in shaping operational strategy, supporting business growth, and ensuring world-class performance across the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for all plant operations, including Production, Maintenance, Quality, Sanitation, Warehouse, Shipping, and Milk Receiving.
• Partner with executive leadership to develop and execute operational strategies that support business objectives and long-term growth.
• Build, mentor, and develop leadership teams while creating a culture focused on accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Drive operational excellence through KPI management, process optimization, and performance improvement initiatives.
• Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and talent development efforts across the organization.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, regulatory, and workplace safety standards.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, efficiency, and profitability while maintaining exceptional product quality.
• Support capital projects, facility improvements, and future expansion initiatives.

Qualifications

• Significant operations leadership experience within dairy, food, beverage, consumer packaged goods, or related manufacturing environments.
• Demonstrated success leading large teams and developing high-performing managers.
• Strong background in operational improvement, culture development, and organizational growth.
• Ability to influence at all levels of the organization and effectively collaborate with executive leadership.
• Strategic mindset combined with a hands-on approach to execution.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $165,000 - $200,000
• Annual Performance Bonus
• Relocation Assistance Available
• Comprehensive Health & Benefits Package
• Career Growth and Executive Leadership Opportunity

If you're a results-driven manufacturing leader with a passion for developing teams and driving operational excellence, we'd like to hear from you. If you have have the above qualifications and are interested, please send your confidential resume to Brittany at brittany.hamilton@gogpac.com for immediate consideration! 

Keywords: Director of Operations, VP Operations, Operations Director, Dairy Manufacturing, Food Manufacturing, Executive Leadership, Continuous Improvement, Culture Development, Team Building, Operational Excellence, Leadership Development, Strategic Planning, Manufacturing Leadership, Wisconsin Manufacturing Jobs, Dairy Operations, Executive Operations Leadership, Organizational Development, Senior Leadership Team 

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.