Director Manufacturing & Supply Chain

Griffith Foods • Lombard, IL

19h • $170,000 - $235,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com. TITLE: Director of Manufacturing & Supply Chain LOCATION: Hybrid in Lombard, IL COMP RANGE: $170,000 - $235,000 plus bonus Custom Culinary®, a subsidiary of Griffith Foods, is hiring a Director of Manufacturing & Supply Chain to lead with strategic clarity and purpose, elevating operational performance, strengthening team capabilities, and ensuring efficient, high‑quality execution across all manufacturing and supply chain functions. This executive will champion innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement while building scalable systems that support long‑term growth and deliver exceptional customer value, empowering teams to collaborate, innovate, and drive a forward-looking strategy aligned with our Aspirations. (https://griffithfoods.com/2030-aspirations/). This role provides the opportunity to lead the supply chain function for a purpose-driven, on-trend, and growing business. You’ll oversee multiple plants and co-manufacturing partners while serving on both the Custom Culinary® US business Unit Leadership Team, as well as the Supply Chain Leadership Team for Griffith Foods.

Requirements

• Demonstrate a deep understanding of end‑to-end manufacturing and supply chain processes, using data and metrics (OEE, throughput, S&OP/IBP) to drive performance and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Apply Lean, TPM, and Six Sigma principles to simplify processes, reduce waste, and build a culture of disciplined, ongoing improvement.
• Collaborate seamlessly with R&D, Sales, Finance, and Quality to commercialize new products, optimize cost‑to-serve, and align operations with business strategy.
• Build high‑performing, engaged teams through coaching, clear communication, change leadership, and a commitment to safety, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Use structured analysis, root‑cause thinking, and sound judgment to balance cost, quality, service, and risk while making timely, informed decisions.
• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline such as Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering OR in Supply Chain or Operations Management or related discipline.
• At least 10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing & supply chain management within food, CPG, or related industry; including experience in both plant leadership and corporate supply chain roles.
• Proven experience leading the entire supply chain function from S&OP process, production, and customer service.
• Hands‑on expertise with Lean, TPM, or Six Sigma tools and a track record of driving continuous improvement.
• Experience developing and executing successful CAPEX plans aligned to short and long-term goals.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and make sound, data‑driven decisions.
• Current residence within a commutable distance to Lombard, IL, OR a willingness to self-relocate to the area within 90 days of starting employment. Relocation stipend may be available for the right candidate.
• Willingness and ability to travel to manufacturing sites in Avon, OH, and Oswego, IL and co-manufacturer sites nationally.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or Master’s in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Operations
• Six Sigma yellow, green or black belt
• Certification for capital project oversight such as PMP, CAPM, or similar.
• Other certifications such as Certified TPM Practitioner, ASQ quality certification, and/or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic initiatives that elevate manufacturing and supply chain performance across Custom Culinary® US to achieve ongoing safety, quality, cost, and customer service targets.
• Oversee two plants, multiple co-manufacturers, and a total of 135 team members.
• Develop team members to support their career growth in alignment with organizational needs.
• Accountable for full order to cash process including, S&OP planning (demand forecasting, supply & inventory planning/management, customer service & logistics, etc.)
• Develop and implement CAPEX plans in support of annual and long-range plans/aspirations, including climate action goals in the plants.
• Implement Lean/TPM, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement systems that drive productivity and reduce waste.
• Assure strong cross-functional alignment to deliver business unit plans
• Active engagement with Custom Culinary® LT, and Griffith’s Global Supply Chain LT
• Maintain rigorous compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
• Develop and mentor high‑performing teams with strong leadership and operational discipline.

Benefits

• Medical, Rx, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts, EAP, Health Advocacy, Financial Planning, Parental Leave, Care.com, Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance, Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement, Safety Reimbursement, Lifestyle Spending Account, Group Life & AD&D, Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term & Long Term Disability, 401(k) Plan with Company Match, ESOP, PTO, Holiday’s & Leaves, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Home & Auto Insurance, Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Long Term Care + Life Insurance & Legal Assistance.

What This Job Offers

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