Director of Operations

Director of Operations (Dairy Ingredients)Hybrid/Remote position with responsibilities at two facilities in Michigan & Minnesota.Summary:Reporting to the VP of Operations, the Director of Operations will oversee and direct the operations and production teams for company’s US operations.Responsibilities:Monitors and takes necessary action to ensure safe work conditions exist at all PDI U.S. production facilities. Responsible for overall direction, coordination, and evaluation of U.S. manufacturing facilities. Keep up-to-date on dairy processes and techniques.Identify areas for improvement in the plants, determine courses of action, and implement improvements and corrective actions in these areas.Direct operations, distribution, and warehousing in accordance with policies, principles and procedures established by PDI.Confer with sales and representatives of associated industries to evaluate and promote growth and efficiency in PDI operations. Develop plans for supply and efficient use of materials, machines, and employees. Review production costs and product quality, maximize yields, modify production and inventory control programs to maintain and enhance profitable operation of all U.S. Operations. Research and assess the viability of new technologies to improve operations.Participate in strategic planning process by reviewing PDI operations and recommend budgets for both raw material and capital expenditures.Submit necessary requests for capital investment in accordance with established budgets, process, and return-on-investment requirements; present capital investment projects to President & CEO and as necessary to the PDI management team.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Dairy Science, Food Science, Operations Management , or related field5 years of Production/Operations management experience within food processing and/or dairy industry (preferred)Knowledge of manufacturing, engineering, and operations principles and ability to apply those principles to production management function.Ability to effectively communicate and work with management, R&D, QA, Procurement, Sales and Customer Service as well as with customers and other business contacts.