Director of Operations - Dairy Manufacturing

$130,000 - $150,000/Yr

Crystal Creamery - Modesto, CA

Full-time - Senior

Modesto, CA

Animal Production and Aquaculture

About the position

The Director of Operations - Manufacturing at Crystal Creamery Inc. is a pivotal role responsible for overseeing and directing all aspects of the manufacturing operations within the dairy sector. This position requires a strategic mindset and strong leadership skills to manage production processes effectively, ensure product quality, and optimize operational efficiency. The Director will lead a team of managers and staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability while aligning operational goals with the company's objectives. In this role, the Director will develop and implement strategic plans aimed at enhancing manufacturing efficiency and productivity. This includes creating and managing budgets for manufacturing operations, ensuring cost control, and achieving financial performance targets. The Director will oversee the day-to-day operations of manufacturing plants, ensuring that production schedules are met and that products are produced to specifications and quality standards. Key performance indicators (KPIs) will be established and monitored to measure and improve production performance. Quality assurance is a critical component of this role, as the Director will establish and maintain quality control processes to ensure that products meet or exceed industry standards. Collaboration with the quality assurance team will be essential to address and resolve any quality issues or defects. Additionally, the Director will ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards, developing and enforcing safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment for all employees. The Director will also play a significant role in supply chain management, collaborating with procurement teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of materials and components. Managing inventory levels to balance production needs with cost control will be a key responsibility. Regular updates and reports on operational performance, challenges, and opportunities will be provided to senior management, ensuring alignment with overall company goals.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic plans to improve manufacturing efficiency and productivity.
• Create and manage budgets for manufacturing operations, ensuring cost control and financial performance.
• Set and achieve operational goals aligned with company objectives.
• Oversee the day-to-day operations of manufacturing plants or facilities.
• Ensure that production schedules are met and that products are produced to specifications and quality standards.
• Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and improve production performance.
• Establish and maintain quality control processes to ensure products meet or exceed industry standards.
• Address and resolve any quality issues or defects in collaboration with the quality assurance team.
• Ensure compliance with safety regulations and environmental standards.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of operations managers, supervisors, and production staff.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, teamwork, and accountability.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide coaching and support to enhance team effectiveness.
• Identify areas for process improvement and implement best practices to enhance operational efficiency.
• Utilize data and analytics to drive decision-making and optimize production processes.
• Collaborate with supply chain and procurement teams to ensure the timely and cost-effective delivery of materials and components.
• Manage inventory levels to balance production needs with cost control.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements, including OSHA, EPA, and industry-specific standards.
• Develop and enforce safety protocols to maintain a safe working environment for all employees.
• Provide regular updates and reports to senior management on operational performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Coordinate with other departments, such as engineering, maintenance, and HR, to align manufacturing activities with overall company goals.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Industrial Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 10 years in a leadership role.
• Dairy experience preferred.
• Pasteurizer license or ability to obtain one within 6 months.
• Proven track record of successfully managing and optimizing manufacturing operations.
• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and analytical skills.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing processes, quality control, and safety standards.
• Proficiency in using manufacturing software and tools (e.g., ERP systems, Lean tools).
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.