Director of Operations - Shoreline Fruit

Shoreline Fruit is the largest tart cherry producer in North America operating over 6000 acres of cherry orchards in Michigan, growing and processing over 50 million pounds of cherries each year. A grower owned company built from two families' stories filled with pride and hard work that continues to grow in its reach of customers locally and around the globe. Working at our production facility, you will be joining the team that processes the finest cherry products and other dried fruits available anywhere in the world. We are dedicated to the continuous improvement of our people, processes and products.

Position Summary:

The Director of Operations reports directly to the CEO and is part of Shoreline's Senior Leadership Team. Incumbent will provide leadership and manage all aspects of manufacturing operations across multiple sites. Develop and implement the organization's manufacturing strategy and operational plans. Direct, manage and report on all manufacturing, maintenance, production planning, inventory management and warehousing operations with overall responsibility for staffing, planning, scheduling, operations, reporting, oversight, optimization, and improvement in all operational areas. Work directly with Quality, Human Resources, Finance and Sales to ensure that all operational activities are integrated and coordinated with other departments to support the Production, Quality, Food Safety, Sales, Environmental Health & Safety, Organizational Development, Profitability and Customer Satisfaction goals of the Company while promoting cross-functional cooperation and teamwork.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Direct manufacturing operations at all sites including production, maintenance, planning, inventory management, warehousing, staffing, training, scheduling, oversight, and other production-related activities.
• Coordinate manufacturing activities with other Directors and Departmental Managers to ensure that total manufacturing objectives are accomplished in a timely and cost-effective manner while achieving throughout, yield, cost, quality, food safety and worker safety objectives and aligning operations with overall company goals and objectives.
• Develop, implement, report on and manage operational standards, KPI's, OEE's, etc. to ensure efficient, cost-effective operations across all sites.
• Monitor the production process, making necessary improvements and adjustments to ensure optimal performance.
• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the manufacturing team across all sites in daily operations, special projects, and audits.
• Ensure compliance with all industry standards and regulations, including safety and environmental guidelines.
• Work with Quality to implement and support quality and food safety programs and initiatives in all aspects of operations across all sites.
• Work with Human Resources to manage workforce issues, promote company culture, implement and support reward and recognition programs, support health and safety initiatives and recruit, hire, train and develop talent to support all aspects of operations across all sites.
• Work with Finance and Departmental Managers to develop and manage budgets for all operating departments including production, maintenance, planning, inventory management, and warehousing across all sites.
• Work with Finance to develop and manage capital asset maintenance programs and related budgets to ensure that capital assets remain productive, safe and in good operating condition.
• Work with Sales to make sure that reasonably priced, quality products are made available in a timely manner and in sufficient quantities to support Company Sales.
• Provide direction, development, leadership and training to Team Members to accomplish company goals and objectives.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment, promoting a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement
• Comply with Good Manufacturing Practices when in production areas.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding business information.
• Perform other tasks as requested.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Recruit, hire, develop, train and direct managers and staff.
• Conduct performance evaluations.
• Carry out corrective actions when necessary.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all employees.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Supply Chain, or related field plus five years' experience in food manufacturing or ten years plant/general management experience in a food manufacturing required.
• Multi-site experience preferred.
• Knowledge of good manufacturing practices, standard of work, SPC, process improvement and team building required.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma and other continuous improvement methodologies is a must. A Six Sigma Green Belt or higher Certification or higher is preferred.
• Proven track record of driving results and fostering an inclusive work environment.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and change management skills.
• Demonstrated coaching and mentoring ability.

Work Environment:

• This position will spend most of their time in manufacturing and food processing environments.
• At times, this position will also work in a typical office environment.

Physical Requirements:

• Typical of a food manufacturing environment
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Ability to spend extended periods of time on your feet in a manufacturing environment.
• Ability to work in loud, busy, stressful environment for extended periods of time during plant operations.

Shoreline Fruit is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.