Director, Culinary Ops

Director of Culinary Operations

Factor_ a brand of HelloFresh is seeking a Director of Culinary Operations.   The Director of Culinary Operations leads and manages culinary teams in three of our large-scale national food manufacturing facilities (Aurora, IL, Burr Ridge, IL & Goodyear, AZ), overseeing day-to-day operations. This pivotal role requires ensuring adherence to company standards, safety regulations, and product specifications to optimize operations, enhance productivity, and uphold high-quality food production in alignment with customer demands. The director plays a critical role in maintaining the efficiency and excellence of the culinary processes within the facility. This role requires a strong focus on cross-functional collaboration, process improvement, and team leadership. You will be expected to drive performance while cultivating a positive and inclusive work environment.

You will … 

• Lead and inspire culinary teams to achieve operational excellence, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement in a large-scale national food manufacturing facility.
• Develop and implement efficient operational processes to optimize workflow, reduce costs, and enhance overall productivity within the culinary department.
• Implement strategies to maximize throughput and minimize wait times in the kitchen.
• Collaborate with the planning team to develop short-term and long-term production plans.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including supply chain, quality control, and research and development, to streamline processes and meet production goals.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), analyze production data, and implement data-driven decisions to continuously improve and exceed performance targets in the food manufacturing facility.
• Own the growth and development of all direct reports, identifying skill gaps, providing regular feedback, and supporting career progression through structured development plans.

You are…

• Strategic Leader: You are a strategic thinker with a proven ability to develop and implement initiatives that enhance culinary operations, optimize processes, and align with the overall goals of the organization.
• Team-oriented: As a collaborative leader, you thrive in a team-oriented environment, fostering a culture of cooperation and open communication among culinary teams and cross-functional partners.
• Quality-focused: Your attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality standards ensure that all culinary processes adhere to company specifications, safety regulations, and product excellence.
• Results-driven: With a focus on achieving key performance indicators and exceeding production targets, you bring a results-driven approach to your role, making data-driven decisions to enhance overall operational efficiency.
• Adaptable: In the dynamic environment of food manufacturing, you are adaptable and able to navigate challenges with resilience, adjusting strategies as needed to meet evolving market demands and industry changes.

You have…

• Extensive Culinary Leadership Experience: You have a proven track record of at least 8 years in a leadership role within the culinary industry, showcasing your ability to effectively manage and lead large-scale culinary operations.
• In-depth Knowledge of Food Safety and Regulatory Compliance: Your expertise includes a comprehensive understanding of food safety protocols, quality control, and regulatory compliance, ensuring all operations align with industry standards and regulations.
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Demonstrated experience in developing and executing strategic plans for culinary operations, optimizing processes, and achieving organizational goals.
• Strong Analytical Skills: Proficient in analyzing key performance indicators and production data to make informed, data-driven decisions that enhance operational efficiency and exceed performance targets.
• Excellent Communication and Collaboration Skills: Effective communication and collaboration are second nature to you, enabling you to work seamlessly with cross-functional teams, culinary staff, and leadership to achieve shared objectives.
• Commitment to Continuous Improvement: You have a proactive mindset, always seeking opportunities for process enhancement and innovation to drive continuous improvement in culinary operations.

You’ll get…

• Competitive salary, 401k with company match that vests immediately upon participation, and company equity plan based on role
• Generous PTO, including sabbatical, and parental leave of up to 16 weeks
• Comprehensive health and wellness bene