Director of Operations

Director of OperationsChicago, IL (relocation assistance offered on a case-by-case basis)Compensation: 225K – 275K + bonus potentialAbout the Role56-year custom food processing manufacturer is looking for a Director of Operations to take full ownership of day-to-day operations at its Chicago location. This is a newly created role, and it was built specifically to bring dedicated senior operational leadership to a facility that does everything by handThis role will own the P&L and lead the full operation across quality, safety, supply chain, distribution, and manufacturing with roughly 7 direct reports and 75 hourly employees across 2 shifts. The right person will have an entrepreneurial mindset, thrive without a instruction, and be comfortable making decisions on the fly in a fast-moving organization where no two days look the same.This is not a role for someone who has spent a career running long production runs at a large manufacturer. This operation is boutique with a high mix of handcrafted products.ResponsibilitiesOwn the full day-to-day operations of the facility including manufacturing, quality, food safety, supply chain, logistics, and HR partnershipDrive site P&L performance including gross margin, EBITDA, and working capitalDevelop and execute annual operating plans, capital budgets, and long-term strategic initiativesLead and develop a senior leadership team across operations, quality, safety, and supply chainEnsure full compliance with SQF, HACCP, USDA, FDA, and customer quality and food safety standardsBuild organizational capability through coaching, succession planning, and talent developmentPresent financial and operational performance updates to the President and ownershipRequirementsBS/BA required, ideally in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a closely related field. MBA, Master's degree, PMP, or related advanced certifications are a plus10+ years of senior leadership experience (Plant Manager, Director, GM, VP, etc) in food manufacturing is requiredDemonstrated success leading a manufacturing plant with full P&L accountabilityStrong financial acumen with P&L understanding and the ability to make sound operational and business decisionsExperience working with ownership, and c-level leadershipAnalytical, data driven and strong background with ERP, MS office and related systems; Redzone experience is a plusExecutive presence with the ability to lead through influence, accountability, and collaborationCompensation and BenefitsPerformance-based bonus opportunityMedical, dental, and vision coverage401(k) with company matchRelocation assistance available for the right candidateTravel up to 25% as neededThis is a role for someone who is ready to run a business, not just manage a department. If you have the experience, the presence, and the drive to lead a full operation and help shape the future of a growing food processing company, apply now and let's talk.