Sr. Director, Chief of Staff

Novolex • Lake Forest, IL

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Chief of Staff to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) serves as a strategic partner, advisor, and force multiplier to the COO for Novolex. This role is responsible for driving cross-functional initiatives, improving operational efficiency, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, and acting as a key liaison between the COO and internal/external stakeholders. The ideal candidate is a high-potential leader that brings a mix of strategic thinking, operational discipline, and leadership presence to help translate vision into execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in operations, strategy, or project management, preferably in food manufacturing or consumer packaged goods.
• Proven experience in a Chief of Staff, operational strategy, or plant operations role.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing principles, supply chain operations, food safety standards (e.g., SQF, HACCP), and lean methodologies.
• Exceptional analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• High EQ, sound judgment, and the ability to work discreetly with sensitive information.
• Adept at managing multiple priorities and driving initiatives to completion in a fast-paced environment.
• Extensive operating experience creating and implementing large scale strategic processes.
• Strategic planning – strategic thinking, long-range planning, operational planning.
• Partner with business leaders outside of global supply chain to ensure seamless execution of strategic programs.

Nice To Haves

• MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the COO to prioritize, plan, and execute high-impact initiatives across manufacturing operations, supply chain, and quality functions.
• Develop and monitor KPIs and performance metrics aligned with operational goals.
• Facilitate and track progress of strategic projects and operational improvements.
• Assist with driving compliance to global strategic operations roadmaps (BU, functional, regional).
• Develop and execute project plans including resource requirements, deliverables, milestones, and completion timelines.
• Partner and be a voice of COO with Supply Chain and Brand strategy teams.
• Partner with the strategy office to ensure compliance within operating model, strategic roadmaps, and strategic processes.
• Prepare for and follow up on COO’s meetings, including gathering data, drafting agendas, documenting decisions, and ensuring timely follow-up.
• Lead cross-functional meetings, synthesize complex information, and drive action plans for the leadership team.
• Serve as the COO’s delegate in meetings and project reviews when appropriate.
• Support strategic event planning and execution.
• Continuously improve the governance structure, processes and metrics for effective tracking of the business’ performance against strategic goals.
• Organize, review, and lead Global Operations rituals and routines.
• Responsible for driving cross functional collaboration to ensure Operations is delivering performance across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost & People.
• KPI coordination and management
• Build and maintain the central T&E
• Draft internal and external communications, presentations, board reports, and updates on behalf of the COO.
• Ensure consistent messaging and alignment across departments.
• Oversee special projects related to operational performance, lean manufacturing, plant expansions, and food safety initiatives.
• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency in collaboration with operations leaders.
• Act as a cultural ambassador, promoting collaboration and alignment within the operations team.
• Support change management initiatives and help drive employee engagement across manufacturing sites.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision insurance
• Variety of other well-being resources focused on mental, physical and financial health
• Focused Giving Program
• Training and development programs
• Skills development
• Advanced education programs
• Company and industry training curricula
• Support for formal education through the Tuition Reimbursement Program (Non-Union)
• Learning Management System

What This Job Offers

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