*THIS IS NOT A JOB WITH CONSUMER CONNECTION*
Our food manufacturing client is seeking a Director of Manufacturing Operations to join their team in the greater Minneapolis, MN marketplace, overseeing operations across two manufacturing sites (located ~1 hour from each other).
Plants are located in NE Minneapolis metro area, just across the border in WI.
Director of Manufacturing Operations
A rapidly growing natural and organic food ingredient company is seeking a strategic and results-driven operations leader to oversee multiple manufacturing facilities.
The Director of Manufacturing Operations will be responsible for leading all aspects of manufacturing operations through a team of managers and supervisors. This individual will be accountable for plant performance, driving continuous improvement initiatives, and ensuring objectives are achieved in a cost-effective and quality-focused manner. Key areas of responsibility include productivity, operational efficiency, capital planning, and safety.
Responsibilities:
- Manage P&L for all facilities, developing and executing strategies to maximize profitability.
- Oversee manufacturing, scheduling, production planning, maintenance, procurement, inventory, warehousing, and transportation functions.
- Track and analyze yields, labor, and related expenses; develop and utilize metrics to drive data-based decision-making.
- Lead process improvements and lean manufacturing initiatives that align with business objectives and deliver ROI.
- Drive year-over-year cost savings and efficiency improvements across raw materials, labor, and overhead.
- Analyze and finalize sourcing decisions and supplier contracts.
- Develop and manage capital projects.
- Set and monitor standards for continuous improvement with measurable results.
- Recruit, train, and evaluate staff while fostering a culture of accountability and professional growth.
- Provide leadership, coaching, and mentorship to ensure manufacturing objectives are achieved.
- Build an engaged and motivated workforce by promoting teamwork and collaboration.
- Partner with R&D and marketing to develop innovative, market-winning ingredients that also deliver profitability.
- Represent the company positively within the local community.
- Stay current on emerging technologies and industry regulations to drive innovation and compliance.
- Ensure safety programs and plant security measures are effective and up-to-date.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field required.
- Master’s degree preferred.
- ISM or APICS certifications preferred.
Requirements:
- Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, preferably within corn wet milling, starch hydrolysis, or protein industries.
- Prior experience as a Maintenance and/or Operations Manager preferred.
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, yields, efficiencies, and procedures.
- Demonstrated success leading continuous improvement and Six Sigma initiatives.
- Experience with commodity markets and supplier contract negotiations.
- Proven ability to drive process improvements, maintain budgets, and ensure regulatory compliance.
- Strong leadership skills in managing change, critical thinking, cost management, technical expertise, and sustainable results delivery.
- Demonstrated ability to assess, develop, and retain talent.
- Skilled in conflict resolution and diplomacy.
- Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication skills, including the ability to deliver presentations and write concise reports.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Familiarity with technical food-related requirements such as product specifications, lab testing, HACCP, GFSI, GMP, FSMA, and FDA regulations.
This opportunity is ideal for a leader passionate about building a culture of engagement, ownership, and collaboration. The company operates in one of the fastest-growing food segments—organic, non-GMO, and clean-label—and offers a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment. If you are motivated by growth, innovation, and operational excellence, this role offers the chance to make a significant impact.
