Senior Director of Operations - Ice Cream

GENERAL PURPOSE

Provide direction to multiple manufacturing facilities to meet short- and long-range divisional objectives with optimum efficiency. Represent the plants as a cross-functional liaison to coordinate all phases of operations and provide optimum services. Participate in the development and oversee the implementation of long- and short-range business strategies and action plans (including but not limited to capital expenditure, operations budget, material procurement, and product pricing) to improve profitability. Provide general leadership with a focus on cultural change and manufacturing excellence and assist senior leadership on special assignments, projects or teams.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provide expert guidance to facility/plant operations ensuring they operate effectively, accelerate productivity improvement, meet all Good Manufacturing practices, comply with state and federal regulations, and meet customer/sales/demand requirements while operating within established budgets

· Direct and review operating results, evaluate progress at each plant, and control expenses related to budgets and inventory capital. This includes value analysis of systems, performance, people, procedures, activities, requirements, labor, utilities, product mix, controls, capital needs, and maintenance of assets to achieve profit, quality, service level, value and safety of all products produced

· Contribute to the strategic planning efforts and communicate regularly with senior leadership to ensure that the company continues to maximize its short and long-term contributions to overall corporate growth and profitability

· Determine long- and short-range requirements of personnel, material and facilities to meet sales demands and optimal network optimization

· Lead operational sustainability to support utilizing resources efficiently and take an active role in ensuring that DFA is contributing to our industry and community social responsibility efforts

· Advise management teams in developing and implementing plans, policies and practices that support their respective objectives

· Lead the establishment of Key Performance Indicators to measure performance of the division and manufacturing facilities

· Implement Continuous Improvement to generate improvement plans that feature both short and long-term improvements, with and without capital investment. Drive key initiatives in the areas of quality, safety, sustainability, cost, and service through Continuous Improvement Management Operating Systems

· Drive consistency and standardization throughout the supply chain

· Ensure facility operations comply with company policies, customer expectations and regulatory requirements

· Cultivate an innovative, data driven, team-oriented culture that embraces continuous improvement within an environment of learning

· Engage in the typical responsibilities of a manager requiring planning, evaluating, organizing, integrating, and controlling; may have one or two direct reports

· The requirements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employee, but is not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required. Other duties may be assigned as required

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· High school diploma or equivalent

· Undergraduate degree in related curriculum preferred

· 12 or more years’ experience in a manufacturing environment, including plant manager experience in food and/or beverage manufacturing with significant financial responsibility; multi plant experience preferred

· 4 or more years of project management or people management experience that includes leading senior managers, multiple departments, and/or significant projects

· Proven track record of improved results in the areas of quality, safety, service and cost

· Experience with continuous improvement methodologies

· Certification and/or License – may be required during course of employment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Strong understanding of the division’s strategy, goals and objectives

· Strong insight into the organizational structure and stakeholder needs

· Strong technical understanding of food processing and ingredients; strong knowledge of manufacturing process flow and importance to process, of continuous improvement models, and of regulatory laws and responsibilities as it relates to facility standards

· Able to develop plans that connect business strategies and the daily operations of the plants

· Able to achieve and maintain credibility and respect within the organization

· Able to exercise independent judgment and take action

· Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks

· Strong customer service orientation

· Strong project management skills

· Strong understanding of budgeting and cost control

· Able to lead and inspire people and achieve results through others

· Able to build relationships with individuals across the organization

· Able to interact and communicate effectively with employees and customers at various levels, including persuasive communication

· Able to understand the importance of managing the “people” issues related to the project

· Able to demonstrate a high level of comfort in changing environment and ability to adapt approach as the environment and requirements change

· Able to handle challenging or conflict situations with tact and professionalism

· Logical and efficient, with keen attention to detail

· Must be able to read, write and speak English

An Equal Opportunity Employer including Disabled/Veterans