Operations Director

North American 3PM LeaderAs part of the North American 3PM (3rd Party Manufacturing) team, the leader works closely with the Procurement Sourcing Managers and Quality Managers to identify, create and execute strategies and projects with Co-Man Suppliers to deliver significant cost, quality and delivery performance improvements.The role manages various commercial and quality system assessments of key Contract Manufacturers, with a particular focus on quantification of opportunities for joint improvement activities.The role works with business units and Co-Man Sites on the execution of agreed CI programs and helps influence business units around resource allocation and project deliverables.Responsibilities include:Leading performance animation with suppliers, driving accountability, KPI delivery, and continuous improvement.Owning LTCP coordination & leading supplier performance improvement strategy to align capacity with business growthLeading a team that owns the technical qualification and capability assessment of co-manufacturers to ensure quality and scalabilityEstablishing & driving effective internal communications regarding COMAN performance, issues and opportunitiesEnsuring robust product availability, proactively managing supply risks and constraintsChampioning COMAN Excellence agenda (BAW, PSL, REFUEL, etc.) to unlock productivity and ESG valueCreating digital connection between COMANs and Danone to provide greater visibility to production, inventory, materials and performance.Improving reporting & coordinating global best practices & best-known method (BKM) sharing and collaborating globally as needed/warrantedEstablishing internal and external benchmark data while leading a team that drives Zero Defects/Continuous Improvement: Drive key performance improvement efforts with Key Contract Manufacturing suppliers (quality, yield, Lean, service) in all areasWorking with Procurement, Engineering and Quality teams to identify, develop, and implement plans including: process improvements, quality systems improvements and VA/VE related cost reductionsLeading a team who must use Statistical Process Controls and continuous improvement techniques at suppliers to help reduce variability and achieve process controlInterfacing with internal partners to identify quality and processing issues and collaboratively pursue solutionsAs required, working with Research & Innovation & Sourcing Managers to identify and assess new supplier technologies and capabilities to support New Product introductions and /or Cost Improvement projectsProviding regular feedback to sourcing on supplier performance and improvement plans; to be utilized as foundational elements in category strategies that drive supplier selection and preferred statusEnsuring robust product availability, proactively managing supply risks and constraintsThe salary range for this position is $143,000-206,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate's relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance-based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options. To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment. This role is considered a "hybrid" position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week.You will have a BS in Business, a BS in Science/Food Science/Engineering or equivalent is a plus, and a MBA is preferredYou will have a minimum of seven (7) years' experience required, preferably in CPG beverage/food supply chainYou are great communicator both cross functionally as well as senior leadershipYou have experience in commercialization/ launches of new productsYou are experienced in commercialization stage gate processesYou have experience in leading, managing and developing direct reportsYou have experience working in corporate and factory level Continuous Improvement organization.You have experience with manufacturing in an FDA environment; Preferred food and / or liquid processing manufacturing; high speed dairy and aseptic processing a plusKnowledge,Skills and Abilities:You are Solution-oriented; always focused on solving problemsYou have Strong financial acumen and business understandingExcellent stakeholder influencing skills and cross functional leadershipProject management fundamentals to easily facilitate cross functional projectsStrong written and verbal communication skillsAbility to build positive relationships with plant leadership teams, corporate continuous improvement team and other functions as necessaryProven ability to improve results & increase efficiencyYou are able to travel and possess a passport- Up to 25% (primarily North America)