Director Of Manufacturing Operations

Farmer’s Fridge is on a mission to make it simple for everyone to eat well. We serve healthy, handcrafted meals and snacks from our growing network of 600+ Smart Fridges (software-enabled vending machines) in 20+ Markets. We are striving to change the food system from the ground up – one Fridge at a time.

We are a team that cares -– about the business, the impact our product makes, and each other. We are data-driven, innovative, and quick to move on a good idea. We are looking for people who want to collaborate in an entrepreneurial, inclusive culture and have a passion to succeed.

About this Role:

We are hiring a Director of Manufacturing Operations to lead and oversee our manufacturing facility, with a focus on safety, quality, and performance. This role involves establishing a culture of safety and adherence to regulations, promoting quality standards and continuous improvement, and implementing effective training programs in a rapidly changing environment. You will provide leadership to diverse teams, manage warehouse, production, and facility operations, and mentor team members for their professional growth.

What You’ll Do:

• Navigate Rapid Growth and Change
• Team Leadership and Management
• Lead the implementation of strategies and processes to accommodate increased production volumes and maintain high standards
• Collaborate closely with the Warehouse, Production, Facility, Quality, Procurement, and Continuous Improvement teams to optimize processes, ensure quality standards, and drive operational efficiency
• Promote a strong commitment to quality standards and continuous improvement, driving performance excellence across manufacturing operations
• Lead and participate in cross-functional initiatives to drive continuous improvement and operational excellence
• Foster strong relationships and effective communication channels with cross-functional stakeholders (HR, QFSR, CI, Menu, Distro, ETC) to ensure alignment to consistent, and successful products, projects and workplace experience
• Provide strong leadership and guidance to a diverse team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment
• Manage to clear goals and established standards, performance metrics, and accountability measures for the team
• Directly oversee the warehouse, production, and facility teams, ensuring effective coordination and alignment
• Identify and implement cost-saving initiatives and process improvements to maximize operational efficiency and profitability
• Monitor and analyze key financial metrics, providing insights and recommendations for performance enhancement
• Partner with these teams to identify opportunities for improvement, streamline operations, and support innovation initiatives
• Mentor and develop team members, providing coaching and support for their professional growth
• P&L Accountability
• Demonstrate accountability for cost control, resource allocation, and financial analysis to support business decisions
• Take ownership of financial performance by effectively managing the manufacturing budget, optimizing costs, and driving profitability
• Foster a culture of Safety, Quality, and Performance
• Implement effective training programs and initiatives to enhance employee skills and knowledge in safety, quality, and performance
• Establish and nurture a culture of safety, where employees prioritize and adhere to all relevant health and safety regulations
• Strategically navigate the challenges associated with rapid business growth, ensuring scalability, efficiency, and quality in manufacturing operations
• Anticipate future capacity needs and develop expansion plans to meet the demands of the growing business
• Enforce standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure consistency and adherence to quality and safety protocols

What are we looking for in a Director of Manufacturing Operations?

• Proven successful project management leadership skills
• Ability to develop and integrate metrics into the projects and operations that clearly demonstrate the value of manufacturing to the business
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing concepts, 5S, and other manufacturing management models
• Strict attention to detail
• Ability to present recommendations, ideas and build consensus
• Excellent documentation and communication skills and interpersonal relationship skills
• Ability to interact professionally with all organizational levels
• Team player that works well with others across all areas of the company
• Previous plant management experience preferred
• Must have a strong sense of urgency, be time driven, and be highly motivated
• Ability to work and excel within a fast-paced, dynamic, and constantly changing work environment
• 10+ progressive leadership experience in operations roles
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and/or G-Suite, including advanced Excel
• Strong financial acumen as it relates to manufacturing
• Demonstrated comfort level and ability to direct teams and provide coaching and feedback, including responsibility for all employee actions including hire/fire authority and partnering with HR on all aspects of employee relations

Benefits at Farmer's Fridge:

In This Together - We stay connected, whether in person or virtually. We encourage transparency through monthly town hall meetings and weekly financial updates. Participation ranges from sampling and providing feedback on the new menu items we’re coming up with in our test kitchen to contributing meaningfully to our DEIB committee.

Happier Workdays - Each day at work should fill you with joy. We're a fun and passionate group, and we don't take ourselves too seriously. Bring your unique self to work, dress comfortably, and always feel free to share your thoughts and opinions. We encourage curiosity; there's no hierarchy here when we're all swapping ideas.

Innovate & Elevate - We're all teachers and learners. You'll grow, and help grow the company through cross-functional collaboration, open access to leadership, and regular business updates. You have a direct impact on the company’s bottom line. You can also impact your personal bottom line by participating in our 401(k) plan that includes a company match with immediate vesting.

Farmer’s Fridge Diversity Statement:

"Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Farmer’s Fridge, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.”

Farmer’s Fridge is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity in all employment practices, including hiring, without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. View our disclosures related to External Agencies and Applicants below: https://www.farmersfridge.com/careerdisclosures