Director of Operations

Job Title: Director of Operations
Location: Turtle Lake, WI
Compensation: $100,000-$125,000 base salary + performance-based incentives
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Senior Executive Leadership
Position Overview

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading and optimizing day-to-day operations at a high-volume manufacturing and processing facility. This role oversees production, quality, safety, maintenance, supply chain, and workforce management to ensure efficient, compliant, and cost-effective operations. The ideal candidate is a hands-on operational leader with experience in regulated manufacturing environments and a strong focus on continuous improvement.
Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Oversee daily facility operations to meet production, quality, cost, and delivery targets.
• Develop and execute operational plans aligned with company goals and growth initiatives.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators including efficiency, yield, downtime, labor utilization, and cost control.
• Drive operational consistency, standardization, and accountability across departments.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
• Lead internal and external audits, inspections, and corrective action initiatives.
• Maintain and enhance quality assurance, food safety, and workplace safety programs.
• Promote a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement.

People Leadership

• Lead, coach, and develop plant leadership, supervisors, and frontline teams.
• Partner with HR on staffing, training, performance management, and labor planning.
• Foster a positive, results-driven culture focused on accountability and engagement.
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and company policies.

Supply Chain & Inventory Management

• Oversee procurement of raw materials, packaging, and operational supplies.
• Manage inventory levels to balance service, quality, and cost.
• Coordinate logistics and distribution activities to meet customer requirements.

Financial & Strategic Management

• Develop and manage operating budgets and capital investment plans.
• Identify opportunities for cost reduction, productivity gains, and margin improvement.
• Support strategic initiatives such as capacity expansion, process improvements, and new product introductions.
• Collaborate with executive leadership on long-term operational strategy.

Maintenance & Continuous Improvement

• Oversee preventative maintenance and equipment reliability programs.
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement initiatives.
• Evaluate and implement process improvements, automation, and new technologies.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field.
• 7-10+ years of operations leadership experience in manufacturing or processing environments.
• Strong knowledge of regulated production environments and compliance requirements.
• Proven experience managing large, hourly workforces.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, KPIs, and operational performance.

Preferred

• Experience in high-volume or multi-shift manufacturing operations.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar certification.
• ERP and production planning system experience.

Skills & Competencies

• Hands-on, decisive leadership style
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities
• Results-oriented with a continuous improvement mindset
• Comfortable working in fast-paced production environments

Why Join Us

• Competitive compensation with performance-based incentives
• Opportunity to lead a critical operation with significant impact
• Stable organization with long-term growth potential