Director of Operations- Modesto, CA
About The Position
Arxada is a global leader in innovative solutions that protect our world. Our groundbreaking technologies, in-depth regulatory know-how, manufacturing and process development help our customers to safeguard nutrition, health and infrastructure efficiently through chemistry and biotechnology that enhance sustainability. We offer a broad portfolio of ingredients and services for multiple end-markets that include Human Health & Nutrition, Home & Personal Care, Professional Hygiene, Paints & Coatings and Wood Protection. With customers in more than 100 countries, the company achieved 2 billion CHF in 2025 sales. Headquartered in Basel (Switzerland), Arxada employs 3,100 associates across 24 production sites and 14 R&D centers, all committed to our customers’ success. As the Director, Operations, you will play a pivotal leadership role within Arxada's Microbial Control Solutions business, leading manufacturing operations across our Modesto, California and Helena, Arkansas facilities. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence while ensuring the highest standards of safety, environmental stewardship, quality, customer service, and financial performance. You will influence business strategy, lead transformational initiatives, and foster a high-performing culture built on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. This is an exciting opportunity for a proven manufacturing leader to make a significant impact on business performance, organizational capability, and sustainable growth.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or a related technical discipline; Chemical Engineering preferred.
- Significant leadership experience within chemical manufacturing environments, including responsibility for large-scale operations.
- Demonstrated success leading manufacturing facilities with accountability for safety, quality, productivity, and financial performance.
- Proven ability to lead and develop teams, build engagement, and foster a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Strong business acumen with experience balancing customer requirements, operational priorities, and commercial objectives.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels of the organization.
Nice To Haves
- Project management experience
- Familiarity with enterprise business systems such as SAP
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic leadership for two manufacturing sites, aligning operational priorities with business objectives.
- Lead overall site performance across safety, environmental compliance, quality, production, delivery, and financial metrics.
- Own site financial performance, including P&L accountability, fixed cost management, and capital investment priorities.
- Sponsor capital projects and operational transformation initiatives that improve efficiency, reliability, and growth.
- Build organizational capability through leadership development, succession planning, employee engagement, and talent growth.
- Partner effectively across business functions to drive collaboration, remove barriers, and deliver business results.
- Manage relationships with corporate leadership, regulatory agencies, and external stakeholders while ensuring risk governance across EHS, compliance, and operational reliability.
Benefits
- 401(k) plan
- medical
- dental
- vision
- life
- disability insurance
- paid time off
- paid holidays
- paid sick leave
- short-term incentive bonus
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
