Director of Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Director of Operations
Chicago, IL (relocation assistance offered on a case-by-case basis)
Compensation: 225K – 275K + bonus potential

About the Role
56-year custom food processing manufacturer is looking for a Director of Operations to take full ownership of day-to-day operations at its Chicago location. This is a newly created role, and it was built specifically to bring dedicated senior operational leadership to a facility that does everything by hand

This role will own the P&L and lead the full operation across quality, safety, supply chain, distribution, and manufacturing with roughly 7 direct reports and 75 hourly employees across 2 shifts. The right person will have an entrepreneurial mindset , thrive without a instruction, and be comfortable making decisions on the fly in a fast-moving organization where no two days look the same.
This is not a role for someone who has spent a career running long production runs at a large manufacturer. This operation is boutique with a high mix of handcrafted products.

Responsibilities

• Own the full day-to-day operations of the facility including manufacturing, quality, food safety, supply chain, logistics, and HR partnership
• Drive site P&L performance including gross margin, EBITDA, and working capital
• Develop and execute annual operating plans, capital budgets, and long-term strategic initiatives
• Lead and develop a senior leadership team across operations, quality, safety, and supply chain
• Ensure full compliance with SQF, HACCP, USDA, FDA, and customer quality and food safety standards
• Build organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, and talent development
• Present financial and operational performance updates to the President and ownership

Requirements

• BS/BA required, ideally in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a closely related field. MBA, Master's degree, PMP, or related advanced certifications are a plus
• 10+ years of senior leadership experience (Plant Manager, Director, GM, VP, etc) in food manufacturing is required
• Demonstrated success leading a manufacturing plant with full P&L accountability
• Strong financial acumen with P&L understanding and the ability to make sound operational and business decisions
• Experience working with ownership, and c-level leadership
• Analytical, data driven and strong background with ERP, MS office and related systems; Redzone experience is a plus
• Executive presence with the ability to lead through influence, accountability, and collaboration

Compensation and Benefits

• Performance-based bonus opportunity
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate
• Travel up to 25% as needed

This is a role for someone who is ready to run a business, not just manage a department. If you have the experience, the presence, and the drive to lead a full operation and help shape the future of a growing food processing company, apply now and let's talk.

#ZR \nCompany Description

The team at JSK Recruiting, Inc. prides itself on providing boutique-level services combined with the resources of a larger recruiting firm. We forgo the traditional nine-to-five workday model in favor of complete accessibility. We are here for our clients and candidates when they need us most.

With 12 years of experience in the field of supply chain and manufacturing recruiting, we maintain the relationships that employers are looking for in a recruiting firm as well as those that talented professionals need when they are ready to make a career change.

At JSK Recruiting, we provide complete recruiting services, from sourcing candidates to organizing the interview process. Finding both long-term employees and rewarding careers across manufacturing and supply chain positions has never been easier.

Company Description

The team at JSK Recruiting, Inc. prides itself on providing boutique-level services combined with the resources of a larger recruiting firm. We forgo the traditional nine-to-five workday model in favor of complete accessibility. We are here for our clients and candidates when they need us most.\r\n\r\nWith 12 years of experience in the field of supply chain and manufacturing recruiting, we maintain the relationships that employers are looking for in a recruiting firm as well as those that talented professionals need when they are ready to make a career change.\r\n\r\nAt JSK Recruiting, we provide complete recruiting services, from sourcing candidates to organizing the interview process. Finding both long-term employees and rewarding careers across manufacturing and supply chain positions has never been easier.