Director of Operations - Animal Nutrition
New Today
The Director of Operations is a hands-on, results-driven leader responsible for overseeing three manufacturing sites for our Animal Nutrition division (New Holstein, WI; Boscobel, WI; and Paris, IL). This role requires a strong mechanical aptitude, an ability to quickly learn and understand plant-specific processes and demonstrated experience managing capital projects. The Director will provide strategic and operational leadership in areas including production, maintenance, inventory, EH&S, and quality.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and implement key manufacturing strategies, plans, and programs to support plant objectives and achieve short- and long-term goals related to cost, quality, and performance.
- Define, direct, and communicate the activities of each functional area of operations to ensure alignment with, and achievement of, facility defined goals.
- Regularly engage with frontline production, maintenance, and engineering teams to assess processes, troubleshoot issues, and ensure operational excellence.
- Apply mechanical understanding and problem-solving skills to identify and address equipment-related bottlenecks, maintenance needs, and process improvements.
- Lead all capital improvement and capital expenditure projects (including AME process), from planning through execution. Ensure projects align with operational goals, maintain/improve plant assets, and are delivered on time and within budget.
- With the support of regional and corporate HR management: Recruit, develop, coach, lead and empower employees, while constantly raising the standards of performance and ensuring high employee engagement. Develop, or source, employee training and make sure ongoing and appropriate training is occurring and is documented for employees at all levels.
- Develop and manage annual budgets; monitor performance, control costs, and implement cost-saving initiatives to ensure fiscal responsibility.
- Proactively explore and implement emerging technologies, automation tools, and process innovations that drive plant performance, quality, and mechanical efficiency.
- Together with Corporate EHS, manage the facility's environmental health, and regulatory compliance programming and initiatives.
- Manage communication with proper government agencies.
- Ensure a quality system is in place that supports the goal of 100% first pass quality and adheres to the most rigorous supply chain standards.
- Collaborate with Quality and R&D to develop and improve products and related processes. Establish procedures, oversee the conduction of, and report results from, experimental test runs.
- Oversee inventory levels, including rework and off-spec material. Collaborate with other ACTUS sites to optimize use of raw materials and finished goods within the network.
- Optimize production efficiency in collaboration with operations and S&OP teams. Monitor key metrics to ensure quality, throughput, and customer demand are consistently met.
- Manage each facility and related operations in compliance with all policies, procedures and applicable regulations.
- Demonstrate strong leadership, integrity, and a commitment to community relations, acting at all times in alignment with the company's ethical and cultural values.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Experience:
- 10+ years of manufacturing experience, with 5+ years in a plant leadership position in a multi-shift manufacturing operation.
- Proven background in capital project execution, including equipment installations and facility upgrades.
- Experience in food, feed, or process manufacturing industries; background in wet and dry dairy processing preferred.
- Strong exposure to mechanical systems, production process flows, and regulatory compliance.
- Technical, Mechanical, & Analytical Skills:
- Strong mechanical aptitude with the ability to diagnose, understand, and improve equipment and operational processes.
- Working knowledge of project management as it relates to capital projects / engineering.
- Proven analytical skills to assess complex situations, identify patterns, and derive meaningful insights that can guide decision-making processes in a production environment.
- Proficient in standard computer software applications (e.g., MS Office, ERP systems).
- Leadership & Communication:
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
- Effective conflict management and team leadership capabilities.
- Education:
- Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Technology, or related field preferred
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
- Location:
- Eden Prairie