Head Of Operations - Fully Cooked Protein

Head of Operations - Fully Cooked Protein (Confidential)

Position Summary

A leading food manufacturing organization is seeking a Head of Operations - Fully Cooked Protein to lead operational performance across multiple further-processing facilities producing ready-to-eat (RTE) and fully cooked protein products.

This executive role is responsible for developing and executing the operations strategy across a network of prepared foods facilities, ensuring best-in-class performance in safety, food safety, quality, cost control, and operational efficiency.

The Head of Operations will oversee all aspects of fully cooked protein production, including thermal processing, post-lethality handling, packaging, maintenance and reliability, warehousing, sanitation, and wastewater management. The role requires deep expertise in lean manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and multi-site leadership within high-volume protein processing environments.

The ideal candidate is a results-driven leader with strong financial acumen, regulatory expertise, and a proven ability to develop high-performing teams while driving continuous improvement across complex manufacturing operations.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

Develop and execute the operations strategy for fully cooked protein production, aligning manufacturing capabilities with business growth objectives.

Provide leadership across multiple further-processing facilities, ensuring consistent performance in safety, quality, throughput, and cost management.

Oversee day-to-day operations including:

• Fully cooked protein production lines

• Thermal processing and lethality controls

• Post-lethality handling and packaging

• Maintenance and reliability programs

• Quality assurance and food safety systems

• Warehousing and logistics operations

• Wastewater and environmental management

Drive operational standardization across plants while improving yield, throughput, and labor efficiency.

Continuous Improvement

Implement lean manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives to optimize production flow, reduce waste, and improve asset utilization.

Identify and execute process improvements across cooking, chilling, slicing, packaging, and distribution operations.

Lead cross-functional collaboration with engineering, food safety/quality, supply chain, and regulatory teams to address operational gaps and implement scalable solutions.

Financial Performance

Own the P&L performance for fully cooked protein operations, including cost control, productivity improvements, and capital planning.

Develop and manage operational budgets, forecasts, and cost-reduction initiatives.

Drive financial results through improved line efficiency, yield performance, labor optimization, and capital deployment.

Evaluate and prioritize capital investments (CapEx) to improve capacity, automation, food safety, and operational reliability.

Food Safety & Regulatory Compliance

Ensure full compliance with all applicable food safety, environmental, and workplace regulations, including:

• USDA / FDA food safety regulations

• HACCP and Preventive Controls

• Post-lethality controls for RTE products

• OSHA workplace safety requirements

• Process Safety Management (PSM) where applicable

Maintain high standards for SQF / GFSI certification and audit readiness across all facilities.

Drive a culture of food safety, regulatory discipline, and operational accountability.

Safety & Culture

Champion a safety-first culture across all manufacturing operations.

Implement robust safety programs, training initiatives, and risk-reduction strategies to minimize incidents and improve safety performance.

Build and develop high-performing plant leadership teams, emphasizing accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Success Metrics

Safety

• Safety incident rates

• Environmental compliance

• Food safety and regulatory audit scores

Operational Performance

• Yield performance

• Line efficiency

• Labor productivity

• On-time production performance

Financial Performance

• Plant operating spend

• EBITDA contribution

• CapEx ROI

People & Culture

• Employee retention and engagement

• Internal promotions and leadership development

• Training and capability building

Customer Performance

• Perfect order fulfillment

• Customer service levels

• Product quality and consistency

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in engineering, food science, operations management, or related field preferred.

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing operations, with significant experience in fully cooked or ready-to-eat protein production.

Demonstrated success leading multi-plant manufacturing operations with responsibility for safety, quality, productivity, and financial performance.

Deep knowledge of:

• RTE food safety systems

• USDA / FDA regulatory requirements

• HACCP and preventive controls

• SQF or GFSI certification programs

• Lean manufacturing and operational excellence

Strong financial and operational leadership skills including:

• Budget management

• Cost control initiatives

• KPI-driven performance management

• Capital project planning and execution

Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem-solving abilities with a proven track record of building and developing high-performing operations teams.

Willingness to travel regularly between manufacturing facilities as required.