Assistant Director of Operations- Oak Creek, WI

Compass Group • Oak Creek, WI

6d • $115,000 - $120,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Assistant Director of Operations supports the Director of Operations in leading production, safety, quality, and performance at a Ready-to-Eat (RTE) food manufacturing facility. The role executes operational strategies, develops frontline leaders, and drives continuous improvement aligned with Lean manufacturing and food safety standards. It is an active, hands-on position with time on the production floor, exposure to manufacturing equipment and temperature-controlled environments, and occasional travel to customer or supplier sites.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Business, Engineering, or a related field, or 8 or more years of relevant leadership experience in lieu of a degree.
• 5–7 or more years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or a similar environment.
• Deep understanding of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement practices.
• Proven track record of operational success and increasing leadership responsibility.
• Strong communication, leadership, and analytical skills.
• Ability to work actively on the production floor and be exposed to temperature-controlled environments and manufacturing equipment.
• Ability to travel occasionally to customer or supplier sites.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in ready-to-eat, fresh food, or short shelf-life production.

Responsibilities

• Build and lead high-performing teams focused on safety, quality, and operational excellence.
• Coach and develop managers and supervisors and strengthen leadership and succession pipelines.
• Maintain a strong floor presence and use a hands-on, problem-solving approach.
• Champion a proactive safety culture and implement safety practices.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, sanitation, and regulatory standards, including SQF and related programs.
• Drive continuous improvement using Lean Manufacturing and TPS methodologies.
• Support cross-functional initiatives to improve efficiency, quality, and throughput.
• Oversee material flow, production standards, and performance metrics.
• Support financial targets through cost reduction, waste elimination, and process improvements.
• Contribute to product innovation and ready-to-eat program growth.
• Prepare and communicate operational performance insights to leadership.

Benefits

• Retirement Plan
• Associate Shopping Program
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Discount Marketplace
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program
• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance/AD
• Disability Insurance
• Commuter Benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior