Director of Operations

Our client is a leading provider in the health and nutrition industry, dedicated to developing high-quality ingredients that enhance both human and animal nutrition. With a commitment to innovation and operational excellence, they focus on delivering exceptional products and value across their diverse manufacturing portfolio.

The Director of Operations is a hands-on, results-oriented leader responsible for overseeing multiple manufacturing facilities and related operational functions. This role demands strong mechanical aptitude, rapid adaptability to plant-specific processes, and proven experience managing capital projects. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership across production, maintenance, inventory, environmental health & safety (EH&S), and quality management.

The ideal candidate will embrace and promote a strong company culture, demonstrating visible leadership by being actively present on the plant floor, working closely with teams, and fostering a collaborative and empowering work environment. This role requires a leader who is deeply engaged with daily operations and committed to leading by example.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies, plans, and programs to achieve operational goals related to cost, quality, and performance.

• Be a visible presence on the plant floor, regularly engaging with frontline production, maintenance, and engineering teams to assess processes, resolve issues, and build strong team relationships.

• Drive and nurture a positive company culture that supports teamwork, safety, continuous improvement, and employee engagement.

• Apply mechanical and problem-solving expertise to identify and address equipment bottlenecks, maintenance needs, and process improvements.

• Lead capital improvement and capital expenditure projects from planning to execution, ensuring alignment with operational goals and budget compliance.

• Recruit, develop, coach, and empower employees, fostering high performance and engagement. Ensure employee training is ongoing and documented.

• Manage annual budgets, monitor performance, control costs, and implement cost-saving initiatives.

• Explore and implement emerging technologies, automation tools, and process innovations to enhance plant performance.

• Oversee EH&S programs to ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety regulations.

• Maintain effective communication with relevant regulatory bodies.

• Ensure quality systems support high standards of first-pass quality and compliance with supply chain requirements.

• Collaborate with R&D and quality teams to improve products and manufacturing processes.

• Manage inventory levels, rework, and off-spec materials, optimizing usage across the manufacturing network.

• Optimize production efficiency in collaboration with operations and planning teams, ensuring quality and throughput goals are met.

• Ensure compliance with all company policies, procedures, and applicable regulations.

• Exhibit strong leadership, integrity, and commitment to organizational values and community engagement.

• Travel regularly between multiple manufacturing sites to ensure operational alignment and support.

Qualifications

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years in manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a plant leadership role in a multi-shift operation.

• Proven experience leading capital projects, including equipment installations and facility upgrades.

• Background in food, feed, or process manufacturing preferred. Experience in wet and dry processing is an asset.

• Strong knowledge of mechanical systems, production workflows, and regulatory compliance.

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose and improve equipment and processes.

• Project management experience related to capital projects.

• Analytical skills to assess complex situations, identify patterns, and develop actionable solutions.

• Proficiency in standard software applications (e.g., MS Office, ERP systems).

Leadership & Communication

• Visible, hands-on leader who actively engages with teams on the plant floor.

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.

• Effective conflict management and team leadership abilities.

• Passion for fostering a strong, positive company culture.

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or a related field preferred.