Farmers Union Industries, LLC, also known as FUI, is a leading agricultural-based manufacturing company headquartered in Redwood Falls, MN. Our current operations include Central Bi-Products, Northland Choice, Midwest Grease, Artex Manufacturing, Redwood Farms Meat Processors, and Performance Pet Products. Please visit our website at fuillc.com to learn more!
FUI is now accepting applications for the brand-new position of Director of Rendering to oversee our Central Bi-Products, Northland Choice, and Midwest Grease divisions in Long Prairie, Waite Park, and Redwood Falls, MN and Estherville, IA. This role has the opportunity to be based out of the FUI Corporate Office in Redwood Falls, MN OR one of the divisional offices (willing to discuss). We offer a competitive salary along with a benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, PTO, paid holidays, an impressive 401K match, and much more!
Schedule
Monday-Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Willing to consider alternative arrangements that support operations
Areas of Accountability
All areas of accountability to be delivered with GRIT - our values of Generosity, Relationships, Integrity, and Teamwork
Operational Leadership & Strategy Continuous Improvement Initiatives
Quality/Production/Compliance Standards Financial Performance
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Direct and oversee the daily operations of FUI’s rendering, pet food ingredient, and used cooking oil divisions; develop and implement strategies that align with company goals and growth initiatives
Establish performance metrics and monitor production efficiency, yield, downtime, profitability, cost control, safety, and quality
Develop and manage operational budgets; identify ways to reduce costs and improve margins
Support capital planning, facility expansions, equipment upgrades, and operational improvement projects
Oversee the Complex Managers of each location; guide and provide advice on production processes and schedules and adherence to customer specifications and expectations to ensure high levels of consistency and excellence
Develop team members, conduct performance reviews, support workforce training programs, and consider succession planning initiatives
Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement
Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, USDA, FDA, state environmental, and other applicable regulatory agencies; steward environmental programs related to wastewater, air emissions, odor control, waste management, and sustainability
Lead environmental incident investigations, corrective actions, and risk mitigation efforts
Remain current on developments in manufacturing including, but not limited to, new technology and changes in regulations
Maintain oversight of maintenance initiatives, fleet/transportation operations, food safety and quality certifications, and other areas of the business, as needed
Collaborate with C-Suite Leadership and other FUI Directors to identify areas of strategic growth and expansion; develop strong relationships with external industry leaders and other partners
Travel between Long Prairie, Waite Park, and Redwood Falls, MN and Estherville, IA plants, as necessary (percentage of annual travel will vary depending on base location)
Situations may arise that require employees to temporarily or permanently assume responsibility for tasks not specifically outlined in this job description. Employees may be requested to work additional hours and/or accommodate a heavier than normal workload.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in operations management, engineering, industrial technology, business administration, agriculture, animal science, or related field, preferred; MBA or advanced degree, a plus
10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in animal by-product processing, pet food ingredient manufacturing, food processing, biofuels, waste management, or related industries
Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role with multi-site responsibility
Demonstrated experience managing complex manufacturing and logistics operations
Strong financial acumen, budgeting, and P&L management
Proven ability to lead large teams and drive operational performance
Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills
Familiarity with USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA, HACCP, GMP, and SQF regulations
Proficient in the Microsoft Office Suite; experience with ERP systems, operational reporting tools, and performance management systems
Work in a facility that processes multiple species including cows, pigs, and poultry
Physical Requirements
Perform desk work (sitting or standing) for up to 100% of workday
Repetitively use wrist, hand, and/or fingers
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in operations management, engineering, industrial technology, business, agriculture, animal science, or related field
- MBA or advanced degree
- 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in animal by-product processing, pet food ingredient manufacturing, food processing, biofuels, waste management, or related industries
- Minimum 5 years in a senior leadership role with multi-site responsibility
- Demonstrated experience managing complex manufacturing and logistics operations
- Strong financial acumen, budgeting, and P&L management
- Proven ability to lead large teams and drive operational performance
- Familiarity with USDA, FDA, OSHA, EPA, HACCP, GMP, and SQF regulations
- Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with ERP systems, operational reporting tools, and performance management systems
- Willingness to travel between Long Prairie, Waite Park, Redwood Falls (MN) and Estherville (IA) as necessary
- Experience working in facilities processing multiple species including cows, pigs, and poultry
What We Do
Farmers Union Industries, LLC is an agricultural-based manufacturing company that processes by-products from farmers into usable items. It is owned by farmers and has operations in rendering, meat processing, and pet food production.
