Director of Operations

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end operations across multiple food manufacturing facilities in a 24/7 environment
• Develop and execute operational strategy to align with company growth and profitability goals
• Build and implement a performance operating system including KPIs, Balanced Scorecards, and data dashboards
• Own the Operations P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, capital planning, and cost-per-unit improvement
• Lead and develop a direct leadership team of four to six reports
• Drive a continuous improvement culture through Lean and Six Sigma methodologies
• Ensure full compliance with safety, food safety, and environmental regulations

Requirements

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in food and beverage or food ingredient manufacturing
• Proven track record leading complex, multi-site plant operations
• Background in agricultural or agribusiness-related food manufacturing
• Demonstrated success implementing operational excellence programs such as Lean or Six Sigma
• Strong financial acumen with direct P&L ownership and cost optimization experience
• Solid knowledge of food safety, health, safety, and environmental regulations
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment in California's Central Valley

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in citrus, juice processing, or specialty food ingredient manufacturing
• Experience with silo and plant operations
• Degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field
• Familiarity with GFSI, BRC, USDA Organic, or similar certification environments
• Experience with ERP systems and operational data analytics tools

Benefits

• Base Salary: $190,000 – $200,000 per annum
• Discretionary performance bonus based on company results
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate

About the Company

Keller Executive Search is recruiting on behalf of a well-established, privately held food ingredient manufacturer with more than 75 years of operating history in California’s Central Valley. The company is a premium supplier to the food, beverage, and foodservice industries, operating four production facilities with multiple food safety certifications.