Director of Operations

People Talent Acquisition•Río Piedras, PR

3d•Onsite

About The Position

Serve as the primary operational integrator of the business, responsible for translating the corporate strategy into profitable and sustainable execution. Lead all critical value‑chain operations to ensure continuity, efficiency, structure, cost optimization, and competitive advantage, guaranteeing alignment between operational capacity, market demand, and business growth, as well as the operations of the business units. This position has a direct impact on the profitability, continuity, and sustainability of the business. It is responsible for ensuring the operational execution of the corporate strategy, acting as a key pillar in generating value and competitive advantage for the organization.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Sciences, or related fields.
Over 10 years of experience managing manufacturing plant operations, preferably in medium‑ to high‑complexity food industry environments.
Strong experience in business administration, financial management, project management, and preventive/predictive maintenance.
Experience in manufacturing, preferably in food or regulated industries.
Experience in supply chain, logistics, and managing multiple business units.
Experience in unionized environments and collective bargaining management.
Transformational leadership and strong results orientation.
Ability to communicate clearly, effectively, and fluently in both Spanish and English.
Extensive knowledge of computerized systems and programs such as MS Office and preferably SAP.
Availability to work nights and weekends.
Availability to travel within and outside the island.

Nice To Haves

Preferably holds Operational Excellence certifications such as Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, Quality Control, or Food Safety.

Responsibilities

Design and lead an integrated operating model across Maintenance & Engineering, Operations, Planning, and Logistics to maximize efficiency, productivity, and asset utilization.
Ensure consistent execution of plant operations, maintenance, logistics, and distribution.
Define, implement, and monitor the operational strategy aligned with corporate objectives.
Translate business strategy into concrete, measurable, and sustainable operational plans.
Develop and manage high‑impact operational budgets.
Control and optimize the operational cost structure.
Make decisions based on financial analysis, productivity, and performance.
Ensure production, inventory, and distribution are aligned with business demand.
Guarantee supply chain efficiency and resilience.
Ensure optimal inventory levels and on‑time delivery performance.
Develop a high‑performance operational organization with clear roles, metrics, and accountability.
Identify, develop, and retain key talent to ensure continuity and succession.
Lead effectively in unionized environments, ensuring labor stability and compliance with collective bargaining agreements.
Promote a culture of discipline, responsibility, safety, and continuous improvement.
Ensure full compliance with regulatory, quality, and industrial safety standards.
Manage operational risks that may impact business continuity or reputation.
Establish robust operational controls and continuous monitoring systems.
Monitor operational performance through KPIs and strategic metrics.
Present periodic executive reports to senior management on results, deviations, and action plans.
Make timely corrective decisions based on data and operational trends.
Act as a strategic bridge between Operations and key areas: Sales, Finance, HR, IT, and Quality.
Align operational execution with corporate strategy.
Perform other duties or functions incidental to the role or assigned by the General Manager and/or any other authorized company officer.