Site Director

Van Drunen Farms • Crown Point, IN

5d • $135,000 - $155,000

About The Position

As a member of the Production Leadership Team, this role is responsible for developing and executing supply strategies and operational goals for the Van Drunen Farms (VDF) family of companies. The Site Director will lead all aspects of plant operations to ensure safety, quality, efficiency, and continuous improvement through engagement.

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience in plant operations management or related roles.
• Proven success in leading a food processing facility or manufacturing operation.
• Demonstrated proficiency in financial, production, safety, and quality leadership.
• Alignment with company Mission Statement: Honor God in all we do; Help people develop; Strive for excellence; Serve customers with world-class products; Grow profitably.
• Strong strategic thinking and execution skills with a relentless focus on improvement.
• Ability to analyze complex decisions using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Solid understanding of production equipment, systems, and controls.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite.
• Ability to lead effectively in emergency situations.
• Must be able to perform all physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Operations Leadership Team to define and implement supply strategies and goals to meet customer demand and objectives.
• Establish objectives and strategies for all phases of plant operations to maintain a functional, efficient, and profitable facility.
• Lead the team to achieve performance targets, clearly communicate expectations, and provide regular feedback.
• Develop and maintain organizational health to drive continuous improvement and competitive advantage.
• Partner with the Plant Production Controller to create and manage the plant operating budget and forecast, focusing on profitability, equipment efficiency, production output, inventory accuracy, labor cost control, and expense management.
• Actively participate in the company’s master production schedule, advocating optimal solutions for customers and VDF.
• Advance production performance through improved materials, techniques, and processes.
• Foster a plant-wide culture of continuous improvement in collaboration with the plant leadership team including but not limited to safety, quality, engineering, maintenance, production manager and controller.
• Define, monitor, and report on key metrics and KPIs, including but not limited to: Safety and Quality leading and lagging measures Turnover and Engagement measures Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) Yield and Scrap Rates Production Throughput and Cycle Times Inventory Management Labor Efficiency and Overtime Control Downtime Analysis and Root Cause Resolution Cost per Unit and Budget Variance
• Use data-driven insights to identify opportunities for improvement and implement corrective actions to optimize plant performance.
• Serve as the plant liaison for customers, ensuring a welcoming environment and strong relationships.
• Cultivate positive relationships with the local community and government.
• Create a positive work environment that promotes growth and development.
• Conduct fair and consistent performance reviews and provide training opportunities.
• Ensure a safe and healthy workplace by complying with all OSHA regulations and VDF policies.
• Drive continuous improvement in safety practices.
• Implement, enforce, and enhance food safety and quality systems in alignment with corporate policies.
• Direct oversight and ownership of the site maintenance, reliability, preventative maintenance, policies and procedures as it relates to site maintenance activities.
• Perform duties in an environmentally responsible manner.
• Support and promote the company’s mission, values, and policies.
• Make informed decisions on critical aspects of plant operations.
• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

• This role may further qualify for supplemental compensation in the form of bonus and incentive programs, contingent upon achieving pre-established individual and company performance metrics.
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• Benefits Available: 2026-benefits-summary.pdf

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees