Director of Operations

Universal Corporation•Momence, IL

18d•$140,000 - $175,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Director of Operations is responsible to provide leadership to the Receiving/Inventory, Production, Shipping, Continuous Improvement, Maintenance, and Housekeeping/Sanitation Departments. The Director of Operations will ensure efficient processes are in place to maximize the quality of Siva’s products and achieve high customer service levels by using a behavior-based approach to create a sustainable employee and food safety culture at Silva. The Director of Operations will work closely with the Vice President Operations to develop strategic objectives and key initiatives that drive long-term operational excellence. Objectives of This Role: • Sustained leadership development in Operations. • Sustained Employee and Food Safety culture. • Maximize efficiency and productivity through extensive process analysis and interdepartmental collaboration. • Set strategic goals for operational efficiency resulting in high Quality, Food Safety, and increased productivity. • Work with Department Managers in the development of financial and budgetary plans. • Analyze current operational processes and performance, recommending solutions for improvement where necessary. • Work closely with Engineering in development of capital expenditure plans/projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field.
Ten or more years in a senior leadership role in a field related to our industry.
Masterful organizational, communication, and leadership skills, backed by previous professional success.
Superior knowledge of multiple operational functions and principles, including finance, customer service, production, and employee management.
Proven ability to plan and manage operational processes for maximum efficiency and productivity.
Ability to streamline or implement structures and roles that increase food safety and efficiency while supporting rapidly shifting business demands.
Strong working knowledge of industry regulations and legal guidelines.
Able to work irregular or extended hours as needed to connect with staff on all shifts.
Proficient in Microsoft Office
All applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day operational systems and processes to provide visibility into the goals, progress, and obstacles of key initiatives.
Draw on relationships with Department Heads, external partners, and vendors to make decisions regarding operational activity and strategic goals.
Plan, monitor, and analyze key metrics for day-to-day operations to ensure efficient and timely completion of tasks.
Devise strategies for ensuring the growth of programs company-wide and implement process improvements to maximize Employee Safety, Food Safety, Quality, Delivery, and minimize Costs while ensuring a People focus.
Adhere to the company’s policies and standards and ensure that laws and regulations are being followed.
Lead the team with integrity and to establish and maintain a trusting, inclusive, and productive environment that reflects Silva core values.
Work closely with the Safety Manager and CSSC (Central Safety Steering Committee) to execute Silva Safety programs and foster a behavior-based safety culture that results in high levels of employee safety.
Work closely with the Production Manager and Scheduling Team to review production schedules for all production rooms to ensure that order requirements are met while maintaining the highest efficiency possible.
Identify production constraints and work to remove them from the production process to improve equipment efficiencies and enhance Quality, Food Safety, and productivity.
Encourage and promote operating in a continuous improvement environment.
Work closely with the Quality Assurance department to review product quality, consistency and to confirm adherence to specification.
Work closely with the Maintenance department to schedule PM (preventative maintenance) time, process/continuous improvement, and identification of equipment requiring immediate attention.
Provide coaching and guidance to all Operations department employees.
Conduct performance reviews.
Review and support department heads in performance management.
Ensure Silva facilities are maintained to “audit ready” standards.
Collaborate with HR team on personnel, training, performance management, investigations, and employee relations.