Senior Director - Site Manufacturing - Dairy

Our client is one of America’s premier agribusiness and dairy food companies and is a member-owned cooperative with industry-leading operations that span the spectrum from agricultural production to consumer foods. With annual sales of over $19B, they are one of the nation’s largest cooperatives, ranking 232 on the Fortune 500. Building on a legacy of more than 100 years of operation, they today operate some of the most respected brands in agribusiness and food production including Dairy Foods, Animal Nutrition, others.

As the Senior Director - Site Manufacturing for our client’s Tulare, CA location, you’ll be at the forefront of driving excellence in safety, quality, sanitation, cost management, customer service, production, and employee relations. Championing dairy manufacturing, quality, optimizing plant assets through the use data and AI, and fostering a culture of positive employee relations.

Tulare is a milk balancing facility that operates around the clock, every day of the year, receiving fresh milk and producing top-quality butter and powder. You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of their facility, developing and executing strategies, managing resources to maximize profitability, and exceeding customer expectations.

What you NEED to SUCCEED in the challenging role:

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing experience, demonstrating strong leadership, a track record of delivering sustainable results, and proven success in LEAN, Six Sigma, CTS (cost-to-serve), and Employee Relations.
• Bachelor’s degree in Science, Food Science, Agriculture, Business Administration, Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, or a related field is required.
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork and collaboration, enhancing plant culture and driving business results through effective people leadership and development.
• Skilled in developing strategic plans and translating them into actionable initiatives for site improvement.
• Proven experience in leading manufacturing transformation and change management efforts that result in cost savings and a stronger plant culture.
• Experience managing union facilities.
• Prefer a master’s degree in related fields.
• Progressive manufacturing experience in Dairy, specifically raw milk and cream receiving and processing highly desired.
• Lean/Continuous Improvement certifications

What YOU get to DO as the Leader of this Award Winning Dairy Campus of Plants:

• Lead and motivate plant staff at all levels to achieve operational goals.
• Champion human and food safety.
• Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams (EHS, Quality, R&D, Strategic Operations, Finance, Sales, etc.).
• Apply technical expertise to solve problems and deliver high-quality cheese products.
• Build strong member, cooperative, and employee relationships through authentic engagement.
• Set and communicate clear strategic direction; execute with excellence.
• Advise operations management on long-term goals and drive performance in cost, quality, safety, people, and environment.
• Drive innovation and reliability through the application of AI, automation, and advanced technologies
• Implement cost-saving initiatives for continuous improvement.
• Assess and implement organizational changes to meet budget and cost-to-serve objectives.
• Demonstrate financial acumen in evaluating plant efficiency, material yield, and labor productivity.
• Develop and manage capital budgets.
• Resolve issues in quality, logistics, sourcing, and engineering within a matrix organization.
• Oversee employee relations and manufacturing policies.
• Integrate support functions to achieve plant and business objectives.
• Review and update GMP programs as needed.
• Communicate effectively, deliver impactful presentations, and influence others

What's it in for YOU?

• Lead one of the largest and highest yielding Plant Networks
• Inspire, Motivate and Provide the Vision for 8 to 10 Director Reports
• Corporate level recognition and Growth Opportunities
• Excellent Compensation Package includes Base Salary and Bonus
• Extensive benefits offerings and employee wellness programs
• Winning company culture that fosters growth and promotes from within

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