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This position is based onsite at our Linden, NJ facility.

We are seeking a highly skilled Operations Director with expertise in food manufacturing to lead production and operational activities in the development of Ready-to-Heat (RTH) meals and food ingredient portioning. This role is based in our 500,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility and reports directly to the Site Lead. The Operations Director will ensure compliance with food safety standards, optimize manufacturing processes, and drive operational excellence in a fast-paced environment.

Key responsibilities

+ Provide strategic oversight of all manufacturing operations, including inventory management of raw material and finished goods, production, quality, and engineering/maintenance.

+ Develop and execute long-term operational strategies to support growth and profitability.

+ Ensure strict compliance with USDA, FDA, OSHA, HACCP, GMPs, and all certification requirements (including BRC or other GFSI standards). Represent the manufacutring team in the HACCP team.

+ Oversee financial performance, including budgets, cost reduction initiatives, and capital investment projects.

+ Lead automation, manufacturing upgrades, and process optimization to scale operations.

+ Partner with executive leadership, R&D, and commercial teams to align manufacturing capacity with new product launches.

+ Establish and monitor operations KPIs (safety, quality, service, cost) and hold teams accountable for results.

+ Build and mentor leadership talent within the plant; succession planning for key roles.

+ Champion Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma initiatives at a facility-wide level.

+ Represent operations in executive meetings and customer audits.

Skills and Requirements

+ Deep expertise in USDA, FDA, and OSHA food manufacturing regulations and compliance programs. Advanced knowledge of HACCP, GMPs, and GFSI certification requirements (BRC preferred).

+ Strong financial and business acumen with experience in budgeting, cost control, and capital projects.

+ Strong project management skills

+ Proven ability to lead large-scale operations and drive cultural transformation.

+ Strong executive communication and stakeholder management skills.

+ ERP/MRP systems leadership experience.

+ Advanced training in Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma (Green/Black Belt) preferred.

Experience & Education

+ Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).

+ 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a senior management or multi-department role.

+ Experience leading large-scale, multi-departmentoperations within a regulated environment.

+ Track record of success in scaling operations, implementing automation, and improving overall efficiency.

+ Demonstrated ability to lead facilities with BRC or other GFSI certifications.

What We Offer

+ Comprehensive benefits package for full-time employees including medical, dental, vision, pet insurance and legal insurance

+ 401(k) with company match that is immediately vested

+ Life and ADD insurance

+ Opportunities for career growth with a dynamic company that is changing the landscape of fresh meals.

+ Paid time off

Our Values at Work

We believe that **ACTIONS** speak louder than words and our company values align to those **ACTIONS.**

In Our Daily Work, This Looks Like

+ **ACCOUNTABILITY:** Set clear objectives and prioritize your tasks Hold yourself and your teams accountable for meeting deadlines Learn from your mistakes and use it as a learning opportunity to improve next time

+ **CHALLENGE WITH CURIOSITY** : We challenge and engage with each other through curiosity and a drive to innovate and transform. This encourages us to learn from one another, be open-minded to other perspectives and possibilities, and continuously improve and problem-solve with intensity. We persevere through challenges, observe patterns, and pay attention to the details to make connections others may overlook, allowing us to exceed expectations.

+ **TRANSPARENCY & HONESTY:** Maintain open and consistent communication. Admit mistakes and take ownership Document decisions to help avoid misunderstandings

+ **INNOVATION** **:** Work with the end-user in mind and create solutions that will add value Question existing norms, assumptions, and best practices Experiment and take calculated, data-driven risks

+ **OBJECTIVITY** **:** Utilize data and make data-driven decisions at every opportunity

+ **NIMBLENESS** **:** Utilize time management to help stay focused and on task with urgency es and make adjustments accordingly Delegate and trust others to handle specific responsibilities with resources and support

+ **SUCCESS THROUGH OUR CUSTOMERS:** Know your audience and the type of work they expect to receive as the end-result of a project, initiative, or task Seek feedback at different stages to ensure you’re on the right track Foster collaboration among cross-functional teams to ensure you’re providing the best experience and service to our consumers

Employee pay will vary based on factors such as qualifications, experience, skill level,** **competencies** **and work location** **.** **We will meet minimum wage or minimum of the pay range (whichever is higher) based on city,** **county** **and state requirements.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Details

Job Family** **Operations/Plant Management

Job Function** **Director

Pay Type** **Salary