Plant Operations Director

Responsibilities

• Build and embed a new operating structure across four food manufacturing facilities
• Take full ownership of the Operations P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning
• Lead end-to-end operations in a 24/7 environment to ensure throughput, quality, and on-time delivery
• Establish performance management systems, including KPIs, Balanced Scorecards, and data dashboards
• Drive a culture of continuous improvement using Lean and Six Sigma practices
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company growth and profitability objectives
• Ensure strict adherence to safety, food safety, and environmental regulations
• Lead, coach, and develop a direct leadership team of four to six reports

Requirements

• 10+ years of senior leadership experience in food and beverage or food ingredient manufacturing
• Proven experience managing complex, multi-site plant operations
• Direct P&L ownership and experience with cost optimization
• Demonstrated success implementing operational excellence programs (Lean, Six Sigma, or KPI frameworks)
• Strong understanding of food safety, health and safety, and environmental regulations
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, hands-on environment with a data-led approach
• Willingness to be based in or relocate to the Central Valley, California region

Preferred Qualifications

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

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 supporting a long-established, privately owned food ingredient manufacturer with over 75 years of history in California’s Central Valley. The company produces premium specialty food ingredients for the food, beverage, and foodservice sectors across four regional production facilities.