Director Trade & Operations

Tyson Foods, Inc.•Springdale, AR

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Director Trade and Operations is responsible for end-to-end performance across international export trade lanes and multi-site operational execution. This role establishes and manages freight forwarding and supply-side services (air, ocean, consolidations, and related logistics solutions) while also providing leadership, coaching, and performance oversight across multiple plant locations to ensure safe, compliant, efficient, and high-quality operations. The position partners in a highly matrixed environment across Business Units, Sales, Global Trade & Access, Origination Logistics, and plant leadership to deliver strong customer service, regulatory compliance, continuous improvement, and optimized total delivered cost.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required (or equivalent experience)
8 years of relevant experience with a blend of: International supply chain shipments, trade lane operations, freight forwarding, and/or export logistics
Multi-site manufacturing/operations leadership, plant performance oversight, and continuous improvement
Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to influence and collaborate across multiple cultures, native languages, and diverse stakeholder groups.
Ability to connect effectively with sensitivity and diplomacy in global environments.
Strong understanding of international logistics modes (air, ocean, consolidations), trade lane performance levers, and customer service operations.
Proven ability to operate in ambiguity with speed and agility; strong judgment and decision-making under pressure.
Demonstrated capability in performance management using KPIs, dashboards, and operational review rhythms.
Strong business and financial acumen; ability to interpret cost/performance data and translate it into action.
Leads and influences across multiple functions and locations; provides guidance, leadership, and coaching to plant managers and support teams.
May indirectly manage multiple groups performing diverse tasks across several locations

Nice To Haves

Poultry/manufacturing experience is a plus

Responsibilities

Provide leadership and oversight across multiple plant locations, ensuring efficient operations, safety, quality, maintenance effectiveness, and process improvement.
Motivate, coach, and develop plant managers and leadership teams; enhance team capability through structured development programs.
Lead problem resolution and provide optimal solutions for daily operations; address and correct underperformance with clear action plans and accountability.
Support onboarding and training of new plant managers; identify and deliver development opportunities for plant leadership.
Initiate and lead improvements across production, maintenance, safety, food safety, and food quality.
Resolve issues related to incoming/outgoing product quality and operational performance.
Partner with Global Trade & Access to ensure regulatory requirements and changes are met for destination countries.
Contribute to and analyze efficiency reports; support the evaluation, approval, and execution of capital improvements for designated facilities (as applicable).
Oversee and manage special projects for the Business Unit, including cross-functional initiatives tied to service, cost, capability, and performance.
Identify key performers for succession planning; help build and strengthen the leadership pipeline.
Establish and execute training needs and programs, particularly focused at the plant manager level and critical operational leadership roles.
Provide guidance and coaching to plant managers and support groups; step in to cover leadership gaps as needed.