Director of Operations

Westrock Coffee Company - Conway, AR

Full-time - Senior

Conway, AR

Administrative and Support Services

About the position

The Director of Operations at Westrock Coffee is responsible for overseeing all manufacturing operations at the Conway Facility. This role involves strategic planning, execution of production activities, and ensuring compliance with quality and safety standards. The Director will lead cross-functional teams to optimize product lines, minimize costs, and drive continuous improvement initiatives while maintaining a safe working environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for fast-moving, customer-focused product lines.
• Work with cross-functional teams to set strategy and optimize new product and process opportunities.
• Solve production and operations-related problems to minimize costs and delays.
• Plan and direct production activities, establishing priorities based on effective operations and cost factors.
• Develop and implement operating methods and procedures to improve quality and eliminate problems.
• Ensure compliance with quality, food safety, and HACCP programs, as well as company and governmental standards.
• Communicate with key leaders to ensure proper material handling and inventory control activities.
• Promote a safe working environment in compliance with safety standards and regulations.
• Train managers and supervisors, establishing developmental plans for direct and indirect reports.
• Conduct annual performance assessments for direct reports.
• Build high-performance teams through recruitment, training, and development of subordinates.
• Conduct Root Cause Analysis and implement corrective actions to improve manufacturing performance.
• Lead and drive continuous improvement activities within manufacturing.

Requirements

• 5-10 years of experience in an Operations Manager or Maintenance Manager leadership role.
• Proven work experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Knowledge of organizational effectiveness and operations management.
• Experience in budgeting and forecasting.
• Familiarity with maintenance principles.
• Excellent communication skills and leadership ability.
• 10 to 15 years of management experience in a food, beverage, or chemical products production environment.
• BA/BS in business, engineering, or food science discipline, or equivalent education and experience.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Previous experience in implementing Lean Manufacturing principles including 5S, OEE, VSM, Standard Work, etc.
• Experience in a GFSI certified manufacturing environment highly preferred, along with knowledge of SQF certification standards.
• Strong leadership and analytical skills.
• Strong working knowledge of Windows applications (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook).
• Goal-oriented and highly motivated individual.
• Ability to effectively establish working relationships with various departments and management.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's degree in a relevant field.
• Experience in a GFSI certified manufacturing environment.