Sr Dir Operations

Refresco Careers • Phoenix, AZ

21h

About The Position

Make a Difference in YOUR Career! Our vision is both simple and ambitious: to put our drinks on every table. We are the leading global independent beverage solutions provider. We serve a broad range of national and international retailers as well as Global, National and Emerging (GNE) brands. Our products are distributed worldwide from our production sites in Europe, North America, and Australia. Although our own branding may not appear on the labels of the beverages we produce, there is a good chance you are reading this while sipping one of our drinks. Our ambition is to continually improve and it’s what keeps us at the top of our game. We are solutions-based. We are innovative. We seek out new challenges and conquer them. This is our company ethos, but it’s our people’s too: Refresco is at the cutting edge of a fast-moving industry because we have passionate people pushing the boundaries of what’s best. Stop and think: how would YOU put our drinks on every table? Summary: Reporting to the Vice President of Operations, the Senior Director of Operations is responsible for manufacturing plant operations in the region. This strategic leadership role focuses on driving operational excellence, optimizing plant performance, and aligning production processes with the company’s broader business objectives. The Senior Director ensures that manufacturing strategies are executed efficiently, fostering a culture of safety, environmental compliance, and continuous improvement. This position plays a key role in long-term operational planning, resource allocation, capital investment strategies, and talent development across the region.

Requirements

• Goal and customer oriented.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with experience identifying and developing leaders.
• Knowledgeable in cost reduction and implementing best practices.
• Ability to analyze plant performance results and discuss areas of concern with Plant Managers to drive improvements and address operational challenges.
• Ability to Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, EHS, Engineering, and Human Resources to ensure cohesive operations and achievement of business goals.
• Strong team player who is able to work across multiple functions.
• Ability to manage multiple and competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, verbal and written.
• Proficient in Excel, Word, SAP and Power Point.
• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, with multi-site management experience.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing operations, EHS regulations, and Lean/Six Sigma methodologies.
• Proven ability to manage budgets, drive performance improvements, and lead high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Strategic oversite of the operations of all plants in the designated region in accordance with the Refresco North America Manufacturing system, policies, customer requirements, and within approved budgets.
• Lead the regional operations team that includes indirect reports from key functional areas.
• Partner with plant managers and leaders from other functional departments to identify site specific opportunities and translate those into action plans and goals.
• Demonstrates an effective leadership style, aligned with our global leadership behaviors, to Plant Managers, peers, and other senior leaders inside and outside the Operations function.
• Leads and directs the work of other employees and has responsibility for personnel actions including hiring, performance management, and termination.
• Coaches and develops staff to enhance functional and leadership skills and expertise.
• Identify and develop leaders at all levels within span of control.
• Communicate clear expectations to direct reports and hold them accountable to those expectations.
• Contribute to and help build a culture where Refresco employees are engaged and excited to come to work.
• Partner with Plant Managers and Human Resources to continually evaluate opportunities to enhance and improve teamwork, especially within the plant leadership teams at each location as well as the broader regional operations leadership team.
• Formulates and implements manufacturing policies and programs to maintain and improve the competitive position and profitability of the operations.
• Actively manages large Manufacturing and/or Continuous Improvement projects within the region.
• Proactively push for necessary resources to support plant operations and drive performance improvements.
• Assist plant managers in overcoming barriers by securing support from internal departments and external partners when needed.
• Provide strong leadership and coverage during crises, ensuring transparency, admitting mistakes, and driving continuous learning from setbacks.
• Rapidly communicate to Vice President of Operations any significant challenges or failures that may pose a risk to the business.
• Provides guidance to ensure Plant Managers maintain compliance with Safe Quality Food (SQF) standards and food safety regulations, supporting the implementation of best practices and corrective actions.
• Oversees the development of strategies by Plant Managers to reduce workplace accidents, minimize energy use, and manage waste, fostering a culture of safety and sustainability.
• Guides Plant Managers in meeting OSHA, environmental regulations, and corporate safety standards, food safety standards ensuring regular audits and assessments are conducted.
• Monitors plant performance to ensure customer orders are fulfilled on time and within quality, quantity, and cost specifications.
• Oversees and communicates key business metrics, including yield, labor efficiency, and overhead expenses, holding Plant Managers accountable for performance targets.
• Develops and shares performance insights at both plant and regional levels through weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, highlighting business impacts and areas for improvement.

Benefits

• Medical/Dental/Vision Insurance   
• Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accountsâ€
• Life and AD&D Insurance, critical illness, hospital indemnity, and accident insurance
• Short-term disability and long-term disability  
• Pet Insuranceâ€
• Legal Benefitsâ€
• 401(k) Savings Plan with Company Match 
• 12 Paid Holidays
• 15 Vacation Days and 6 Paid (Sick) Time Off Days
• Well-being Benefit
• Discount and Total Reward Programs 

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director