Kinsa Group
Join to apply for the Director of Operations role at Kinsa Group.
Base pay range $210,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr
Location: Multiple Locations in New York / PA (Not Remote/Hybrid)
Mission Our client, a producer of premium dairy products, is looking for a Director of Plant Operations to add to their team. In this role you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our client's fluid plants.
Requirements
Experience in a food processing plant environment (and/or other singular qualifier under Competencies/Culture below).
Minimum 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in a multi‑site food or beverage processing environment.
Strong background in quality assurance programs (SQF, HACCP, GMPs) and CI & Lean initiatives.
Experience working in union environment and labor negotiations.
Retort and Aseptic processing experience.
Hands‑on leadership; ability to travel 50%.
Compensation
Salary 220‑250k, 20%
Paid vacation/holidays
Relocation assistance
Responsibilities
Lead operational performance across all fluid plants and milk balancing operations.
Develop and manage operating budgets, delivering against financial targets for cost control, margin enhancement, and capital investments.
Ensure adherence to company quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, SQF, etc.).
Responsible for process improvements, lean methodologies, waste reduction, and equipment utilization.
Develop plant managers and their leadership teams, promoting a high‑performing culture focused on accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous improvement.
Oversee capital projects.
Analyze operational KPIs, including yield, shrink, labor efficiency, cost per unit, and quality metrics, using data‑driven insights to guide improvements.
Ensure full regulatory compliance with OSHA, FDA, EPA, and other applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Partner cross‑functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, HR, and Finance to deliver coordinated operational results.
Lead labor relations strategies and contract negotiations where applicable, fostering constructive relationships in unionized environments.
Ensure employee well‑being and compliance with company and industry safety standards.
Identify and integrate innovative technologies and automation opportunities to drive efficiency and maintain competitive advantages in manufacturing operations.
Education & Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management, Business, Food Science, Engineering or related field (Master’s Degree Preferred).
Strong background in CI and Lean initiatives and project management ( A MUST ).
Experience working in union environment and labor negotiations ( A MUST ).
Retort and Aseptic processing experience ( A MUST ).
Referrals Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need, so if you know of anyone with these skills in the food and beverage industry, please pass me their name and email/phone number, or share this job posting with them. Kinsa pays referral bonuses if someone you refer gets hired by our client!
Check out our other food and beverage industry career opportunities at https://kinsa.com/food-beverage-industry-jobs/.
Employment Details
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Manufacturing and Quality Assurance
Industries: Manufacturing and Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Benefits: Medical insurance, Vision insurance, 401(k)
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Base pay range $210,000.00/yr - $250,000.00/yr
Location: Multiple Locations in New York / PA (Not Remote/Hybrid)
Mission Our client, a producer of premium dairy products, is looking for a Director of Plant Operations to add to their team. In this role you will provide strategic and operational leadership for our client's fluid plants.
Requirements
Experience in a food processing plant environment (and/or other singular qualifier under Competencies/Culture below).
Minimum 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience in a multi‑site food or beverage processing environment.
Strong background in quality assurance programs (SQF, HACCP, GMPs) and CI & Lean initiatives.
Experience working in union environment and labor negotiations.
Retort and Aseptic processing experience.
Hands‑on leadership; ability to travel 50%.
Compensation
Salary 220‑250k, 20%
Paid vacation/holidays
Relocation assistance
Responsibilities
Lead operational performance across all fluid plants and milk balancing operations.
Develop and manage operating budgets, delivering against financial targets for cost control, margin enhancement, and capital investments.
Ensure adherence to company quality standards, customer specifications, and regulatory requirements (FDA, USDA, SQF, etc.).
Responsible for process improvements, lean methodologies, waste reduction, and equipment utilization.
Develop plant managers and their leadership teams, promoting a high‑performing culture focused on accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous improvement.
Oversee capital projects.
Analyze operational KPIs, including yield, shrink, labor efficiency, cost per unit, and quality metrics, using data‑driven insights to guide improvements.
Ensure full regulatory compliance with OSHA, FDA, EPA, and other applicable local, state, and federal laws.
Partner cross‑functionally with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, HR, and Finance to deliver coordinated operational results.
Lead labor relations strategies and contract negotiations where applicable, fostering constructive relationships in unionized environments.
Ensure employee well‑being and compliance with company and industry safety standards.
Identify and integrate innovative technologies and automation opportunities to drive efficiency and maintain competitive advantages in manufacturing operations.
Education & Qualifications
Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management, Business, Food Science, Engineering or related field (Master’s Degree Preferred).
Strong background in CI and Lean initiatives and project management ( A MUST ).
Experience working in union environment and labor negotiations ( A MUST ).
Retort and Aseptic processing experience ( A MUST ).
Referrals Referrals are our best source for the top talent our clients need, so if you know of anyone with these skills in the food and beverage industry, please pass me their name and email/phone number, or share this job posting with them. Kinsa pays referral bonuses if someone you refer gets hired by our client!
Check out our other food and beverage industry career opportunities at https://kinsa.com/food-beverage-industry-jobs/.
Employment Details
Seniority level: Director
Employment type: Full‑time
Job function: Manufacturing and Quality Assurance
Industries: Manufacturing and Food and Beverage Manufacturing
Benefits: Medical insurance, Vision insurance, 401(k)
#J-18808-Ljbffr