Director of Packaging

Keefe Group•Bridgeton, MO

52d

About The Position

This position is based in St. Louis, MO. You will need to be located in the St. Louis, MO metropolitan area or be willing to relocate to this area for the position. Relocation assistance available. Maintain oversight of all facility operations, finances, and personnel for Keefe Packaging. Keefe Packaging's primary function is to package bulk products into finished goods and distribute throughout the Keefe Group network of distribution centers. Advocate for a culture of continuous improvement in all aspects of safety, quality, production, maintenance, and distribution of packaging products. The role is accountable for managing the overall operations of the plant, ensuring adherence to food safety and quality standards while optimizing productivity and cost-efficiency.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree (B. S.) in Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field from four-year college or university preferred; or 10+ years related experience and/or training.
Hands-on leadership style with a commitment to both leading and rolling up sleeves to engage directly with team members.
Exemplify strong values and integrity, while actively promoting and reinforcing the company culture across the organization.
Have a proven understanding of food production processes, quality control, food safety standards, and regulations (i.e. FDA, GFSI, SQF, HACCP, GMPs, Dietary Laws).
In depth working knowledge of OSHA safety regulations.
Have a solid understanding of Profit and Loss (P&L) management, budgeting, and cost analysis.
Ability to lead through continuous improvement in the packaging operations, focusing on quality control, safety, and efficiency. Ensure culture of accountability for strict quality standards and maintain a sustainable operation.
Experienced in hosting vendor and customer tours, understanding the audience, business needs to be able to deliver the message needed.
Skilled in delivering persuasive presentations to employees and senior leadership.
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret the most complex documents.
Proficient in interpreting Certificates of Analysis and applying food safety principles, including validation and verification processes.
Skilled in interpreting complex technical instructions, including mathematical and schematic formats.
Experienced in reading and understanding food packaging machinery blueprints, sanitary design, and contributing to packaging machine design and installation.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Experience in production, planning, and management.
In depth working knowledge of warehouse and warehouse maintenance operations.
In depth working knowledge of production and production maintenance operations.
Work well with all levels of organization.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to solve problems accurately and efficiently.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Skilled in project management.
Working knowledge of finance and budget control.
Ability to train personnel and provide direction.

Nice To Haves

Working knowledge of Lean Six Sigma is a plus.

Responsibilities

Demonstrates leadership by maintaining a facility that is consistently tour-ready, audit-ready, and upholds clean-as-you-go standards, ensuring cleanliness, safety, and operational excellence.
Lead business operations to drive profitability through effective planning, delegation, coordination, and compliance with regulatory and company standards.
Develop and oversee the operating plan to achieve financial and Keefe organizational objectives, applying strategic planning, forecasting, and budgetary analysis to guide adjustments and ensure performance targets are met.
Communicate company goals and align business objectives, ensuring clarity in direction, priorities, and performance expectations. Ensure that Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) are set, monitored and maintained for efficient plant operations.
Continue to maintain SQF certification at audit rating of “Excellent” by following established SOP's and ensuring conformance in practice.
Maximize production while maintaining adequate levels of raw materials and finished good inventories. Recommend production equipment that increase throughput and reduce costs.
Develop pricing strategies to optimize operating income by analyzing cost drivers and market dynamics, including customer needs, competitive landscape, and pricing tolerance.
Effectively manage risk to the business unit and company by considering the financial and legal implications of business decisions. Exercise sound judgment when entering into contractual agreements related to new business, vendors, equipment suppliers, and facility services, etc. Consult next level manager and legal counsel as appropriate.
Provide leadership development through mentoring, training, and strategic staffing. Support career growth by leveraging individual strengths and aligning roles effectively.
Lead with a positive mindset and clear communication to motivate, engage, and reward employees effectively.
Responsible for budget and managing P&L statement.
Understand the needs of both Keefe Group's internal and external customers, foster teamwork towards common goals internally and prioritize service to those groups.
Provide effective communication with key stakeholders including Purchasing, Regions, and the leadership team.

Benefits

Medical w/prescription coverage
Benefit Credit received when enrolled in a TKC medical plan, to help offset your benefit costs. Benefit Credit of $750 annually, will be divided evenly among your paychecks throughout the Plan Year.
Dental
Vision
Basic Life and Basic Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
Short Term Disability
Long Term Disability
Voluntary benefits that can be selected to create the right package for you
Paid Time Off
Company Match for the 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan