Associate Director, Manufacturing

Pay Range $167,500 - $195,750 per year based on experience and qualifications. Job Overview The Associate Director, Manufacturing is responsible for overseeing production, sanitation, operation training, and staff scheduling through a team of functional managers and supervisors. The role will ensure plant performance, safety, productivity, continuous improvement, capital startup, and employee engagement, and will adapt to evolving business needs. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leadership & Workforce Management Oversee 5 direct reports through functional managers and supervisors and lead an overall team of more than 300, including 12 exempt leaders. Coach, direct, and mentor staff to ensure manufacturing objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost‑effective manner. Maintain an engaged and team‑oriented workforce to meet business demands. Ensure plant personnel engagement through clear and consistent communication. Oversee cultural change initiatives and continually seek improvement of the plant’s competitive advantage. Manufacturing Operations & Continuous Improvement Direct, drive, and manage plant operations for production with a focus on operating efficiency (OEE) and SQF production. Act as a change leader by implementing, leading, and sustaining a Lean manufacturing culture aligned with the annual business plan. Provide leadership in problem resolution to enable rapid improvement and stronger working relationships. Safety, Quality & Compliance Communicate potential and actual food safety issues to key personnel and lead corrective action processes. Serve as a core leader of the plant safety team. Ensure manufacturing operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations and governing laws. Enforce company standards for cost control, waste reduction, quality, OSHA compliance, safety, and complete and on‑time delivery. Financial & Performance Management Develop, own, and execute departmental budgets. Design a manufacturing structure that minimizes labor and overtime costs. Drive cost‑effective controls over operating expenses, wages, and manpower through MES utilization and partnership with Finance. Track yields, labor, and operating expenses using performance metrics to drive data‑based decisions. Cross‑Functional Collaboration & Asset Management Partner with R&D and Marketing to develop profitable, market‑winning products. Collaborate with Supply Chain on short‑ and long‑term production scheduling. Work closely with Maintenance and Engineering to ensure effective facilities, equipment, and capital improvements. Additional Responsibilities Perform other related duties as assigned. In the Associate Director’s absence, the Operations Manager will assume responsibilities. Education and/Or Experience Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, animal science, industrial engineering, business or related field and 10+ years’ experience in progressive leadership roles required. Manufacturing knowledge and understanding of yield, labor, plant efficiencies, and operations procedures required. Solid understanding of OSHA, USDA and food safety regulations required. Bi‑Lingual, preferred (English & Portuguese, or English & Spanish). Minimum of 10 years’ manufacturing experience, preferably meat processing. Demonstrated success as a change agent and developing and implementing continuous improvements and initiatives. Demonstrated success in assessing, developing, and retaining top talent. Proven ability to drive process improvements, adhere to budgets, and maintain regulatory compliance. Proven ability to lead with the following key competencies: managing change, critical thinking, continuous cost focus, technical expertise, influence, and delivery of sustainable results. Past successful experience as a Maintenance and/or Operations Manager preferred. Ability to manage conflict and display excellent diplomacy skills in handling situations which can be disruptive to the organization’s business development. Physical Requirements and Environment Able to sit / stand for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer. Must be able to lift up to fifteen pounds. The noise level in the office environment is typically moderate. Must be able to travel 10% of the time and work nights & weekends. Company provided Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) must be worn while on the production floor. Benefits Enjoy top‑tier Medical, Dental, Vision coverage. Pet Insurance. Wellness Plan and Gym Reimbursement. Employee Tuition Reimbursement. College Scholarship for dependents. Bonus Program for Salary and Hourly Employees. Generous 401k Company Match. Competitive Paid Time Off. Company‑Sponsored Life Insurance Coverage. Relocation Assistance for a smooth transition. Employee Bonus Referral Program. Community Impact Opportunities. Team Events and Seasonal Workplace Gatherings. At Home Market Foods, we champion equal opportunities for all, prohibiting discrimination based on race, religion, gender, and more. Our commitment extends across all aspects of employment, ensuring a fair and inclusive workplace. At this time, Home Market Foods will not sponsor applicants for employment authorization for this position for the following work visas: STEM OPT EAD, H‑1B, H‑1B1, E‑3, O‑1, J‑1, or TN. #J-18808-Ljbffr Home Market Foods