Director Of Plant Operations

Coach and develop 150+ employees at a premium feed manufacturing facility near Twin Falls, ID. The facility is 50% automated and you will continue to enhance automation through robotics and CI initiatives.

The Director of Plant Operations position is on the Senior Leadership Team which is tasked with the development of short-term planning, efficiency improvements, plant upgrades, and throughput increases through training, challenging the team to identify and eliminate shortfalls, etc. The Senior Leadership Team is also responsible for the long-term planning and strategy of the company, most importantly company expansion opportunities, refinement and continuous improvement through better processes, policies and procedures, and a laser focus on non-negotiables of Safety, Assured Supply, Quality, and Continuous Improvement.

What will you do?

Partner with the COO to develop a strategic operations plan to double production capacity in the next 4 years.

• Formulate and recommend manufacturing policies and programs that improve the company's competitive position and the operation's profitability.
• Achieves optimum staffing levels with the least amount of overhead and raw material costs to meet the annual budgetary plan.
• Participate in cost-benefit analysis for growth via facility expansion v acquisition.
• Establish the 2024 budget and partner with cross-functional teams to build the forecast
• Develop and execute a plan to increase production capacity by 2x and lead major projects: layout changes, equipment installation, etc.

Build the capabilities of high-performing plant management, operations, production planning, food safety/quality, and maintenance teams.

• Identify strengths and weaknesses, incorporate training and development, and build a succession plan.
• Implement performance goals and metrics to hold this cross-functional group accountable.
• Establish a relentless continuous improvement mindset by empowering a team of 150+ at the Idaho manufacturing site.

Operations enhancement

• Minimize downtime and maximize output through preventative maintenance and innovative manufacturing practices that help mitigate raw material variability without sacrificing non-negotiables of safety and quality.
• Identify process gaps in operational workflow, develop best practices, and install SSOPs that reduce complexity
• Ensure quality, cost, and schedule adherence while upholding safety, quality, and supply standards

Ideal candidate profile

• A minimum of 5 years of experience managing a significant segment of a large manufacturer or the entire operation of a smaller manufacturer with P&L responsibility.
• Track record of building world-class manufacturing teams, implementing KPIs, and instilling a continuous improvement mindset.
• 10+ years of experience in feed or food manufacturing environment, preferably in a complex process-oriented operation.
• Experience optimizing the use of systems to enhance data-driven decision-making.
• BA/BS in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Business Administration, or a 4-year technical degree in a related discipline.