Director of Operations

Join Our Team as the Operations Director – Contract Manufacturing & Packaging (Food/Beverage) in Tennessee!

Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for optimizing manufacturing processes and delivering top-quality food and beverage products? Do you thrive in a fast-paced environment where your expertise drives efficiency, quality, and customer satisfaction? If so, we invite you to become an integral part of our team as the Operations Director at our esteemed contract manufacturing and packaging facility.

About Us

At [Your Company Name], we specialize in contract co-manufacturing and packaging of premium food and beverage products. With a commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability, we partner with leading brands to deliver exceptional products that meet the highest standards of quality and safety. Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with the latest technology, fostering a collaborative and growth-oriented work environment.

Why Join Us?

• Competitive Compensation: Earn between $150K - $175K annually, complemented by a 25% bonus based on KPIs and company performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy 100% company-paid health insurance premiums for employees, 75% for family members, vision and dental insurance, life insurance, and a 401K plan with a 100% company match for the first 5% contribution.
• Work-Life Balance: Benefit from paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, and relocation assistance to support your transition.
• Growth Opportunities: Be part of a forward-thinking company that values professional development and career advancement.
• Inclusive Culture: Join a diverse and supportive team where your contributions are valued and your voice is heard.

Key Responsibilities

As the Operations Director, you will:

• Leadership & Management:
• Oversee all aspects of our contract bottling, blending, and packaging operations.
• Lead and manage a dedicated team of permanent and temporary staff, including the Bottling Manager, Blending Technicians, and Inventory Technicians.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.
• Production Planning & Scheduling:
• Develop and implement production schedules based on customer demands to ensure timely and efficient operations.
• Coordinate manpower and raw materials to meet production targets and client expectations.
• Process Optimization:
• Establish and refine best practices, process flows, and daily standard work procedures for the contract bottling department.
• Ensure all functions are cross-trained to provide redundant support and maintain seamless operations during shifts.
• Strategic Planning:
• Collaborate with the leadership team to contribute to the overall strategic planning and growth of the business.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and performance metrics to drive productivity, quality, and financial performance.
• Quality & Compliance:
• Implement rigorous quality control standards to minimize defects and maintain compliance in our GFSI-certified facility.
• Ensure adherence to all relevant health, safety, and environmental regulations and SOPs.
• Collaboration & Communication:
• Work closely with internal teams including production, procurement, quality assurance, sales, and logistics to streamline operations.
• Manage complex client relationships, ensuring high levels of customer satisfaction and retention.

Requirements

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree (BS/BA) in Engineering, Business, Manufacturing, or a related field.
• Experience:
• 5+ years of managing and leading teams in a food and/or beverage contract production or co-packing environment.
• Proven experience operating in a GFSI-certified facility (e.g., BRC, SQF) with a strong understanding of HACCP principles.
• LEAN manufacturing expertise to analyze manufacturing costs and identify areas for cost optimization.
• Demonstrated ability to establish financial controls and manage budgets within a manufacturing setting.
• Successful track record in managing complex client relationships and ensuring project delivery.
• Sk