DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

The Director of Plant Operations is a key member of the executive team reporting to the President of this company and working closely with the Vice President of Supply Chain, and is responsible for all aspects of our operations. This individual will be responsible to lead operations, logistics and procurement functions of this pet food business in support of doubling the size of the business in three years. This includes, but is not limited to meeting customer demands and controlling costs by overseeing the execution of schedules and projects within the Operations team. The Director develops, implements, and oversees the strategy and tactics needed in operations (in alignment with the business strategies) to understand, detail, analyze and reduce costs; including management of inventory levels. As part of the executive team, the individual contributes to the growth and success of the business by utilizing experience, knowledge and team skills to help form the business operational strategies and tactics. We expect the Director of Operations to play an active role in the day-to-day management of the operation to maintain operational excellence.

Please see our web site for additional company information – www.central.com

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

· Ability to develop and implement improved operating procedures & KPI’s

· Ability to build and maintain high quality assurance of raw materials & finished products

· Development of workplace safety programs

· Ability to deliver yearly productivity savings

· Facilities maintenance

· Entrepreneurial and cultural leadership with demonstrated skills to work in a smaller and nimble organization with less than 100 employees.

· Filling equipment, silo storage, material movement maintenance

· Material balance and material loss control

· Labor standard setting, time and motion studies

· Capital equipment procurement

· Manufacturing supervision

· Distribution organization

· Carrier rate negotiation and selection

· Purchasing experience or management of purchasing; negotiation tactics

· Co-packer validation, selection, management

· Inventory and cost control

· Operational and continuous improvement

Experiences/Skills/Education

· Must have prior experience in operations of human or pet food with a preferred emphasis on baking, extrusion and bag filling. Food experience is a requirement.

· Bachelors degree in Engineering or a related degree a plus

· A minimum of 10 years experience in plant management with leadership experience

· Experience building a manufacturing organization from the ground up – must be a hands-on leader; should have ability to grow beyond position to handle potential expansion.

· The preferred candidate will currently be “in-role” currently working as a Plant Manager at a manufacturing operation. Additionally, continuity of work history is strongly preferred.

· Proven record of applying principles of safe practices; leading safety improvement, and leading safety teams and initiatives.

· Knowledge and compliance with key regulatory Safety procedures: LOTO, HCP, PPE, Confined space

· Experience with developing & implementing an HACCP plan

· Strong plant sanitation skills

· Experience in food processing, baking, and/or establishing quality standards for food processing

· Strong quantitative analysis and analytical skills including standard costing

· Proven leadership and motivation success; delegation and setting team accountabilities

· Application and use of LEAN manufacturing tools

· Ability to create and implement systems to measure and improve performance at all levels

· Use of large company MRP, MPS system

· Proven development of scheduling techniques, communications and execution

· Ability to be a collaborator and team contributor

Working Conditions

· Manufacturing and office environment with frequent use of PC, phone, and office equipment

· Shift work as needed

· This role is based in the Los Angeles area and we prefer local candidates not requiring relocation.

· 10% travel as needed by business requirements