Director of Operations

Sensient • Livingston, CA

31d • $190,000 - $230,000

About The Position

The Director of Operations for our Agricultural Ingredients Division provides strategic leadership for large-scale manufacturing operations across three production facilities located in Turlock, California; Livingston, California; and Deming, New Mexico. This role is accountable for delivering operational excellence across all sites, ensuring top-tier performance in production, food safety, quality, cost management, and continuous improvement. The Operations Director works closely with Plant Leadership, Supply Chain, Engineering, and Quality teams to enhance efficiency, optimize manufacturing performance, and support the company’s long-term growth strategy.

Requirements

• Significant progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including demonstrated success leading complex operations and developing high-performing teams.
• Experience within food manufacturing, agricultural ingredients, or related process-driven production environments.
• Proven ability to lead large, cross-functional teams and build strong operational leadership capability across multiple facilities.
• Expertise in Lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• A strong track record of driving operational performance, managing change, and leading organizations through transformation and growth.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree preferred, ideally in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or a related technical discipline.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across multiple manufacturing facilities, aligning plant operations with business objectives and growth initiatives.
• Lead and develop Plant Managers and operations teams, fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and high performance.
• Drive operational efficiency and continuous improvement, implementing Lean principles to enhance yield, throughput, labor productivity, and equipment effectiveness.
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards, including SQF, BRC, and FDA requirements.
• Oversee operational and financial performance, including cost management, budget execution, and capital planning.
• Identify opportunities to improve manufacturing processes, automation, and scalability across all sites.
• Collaborate with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, and Commercial teams to align production capacity with customer demand and support strategic initiatives.

Benefits

• The opportunity to be part of a global, market-leading organization known for innovation in color and flavor.
• A highly visible leadership role with the ability to drive operational excellence across multiple manufacturing sites and influence strategic business outcomes.
• The chance to build and develop strong operational leadership teams while fostering a culture of safety, performance, and continuous improvement.
• A competitive compensation and benefits package, including 401(k), stock purchase programs, and comprehensive health benefits.
• Access to professional development resources and a structured onboarding experience designed to support long-term success.

What This Job Offers

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