Director of Manufacturing

Director of Manufacturing at Confidential Global Company Director of Manufacturing at Confidential Global Company in Huntington Park, California Posted in 44 minutes ago.

Type:

full-time

Job Description:

Director of Manufacturing - Food Production Position Summary The Director of Manufacturing is responsible for leading all manufacturing operations for a food production facility in California, ensuring safety, food safety, quality, service, cost, and people objectives are consistently achieved. This role develops and executes manufacturing strategies that align with company goals, regulatory requirements (FDA/USDA, state, local), and customer expectations while driving a culture of continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Lead day?to?day manufacturing operations (processing, packaging, warehousing interfaces) to meet safety, quality, output, and cost targets. Develop and execute manufacturing strategies, production plans, and capacity plans aligned with business growth and new product introductions. Own plant safety performance; champion a zero?injury culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, Cal/OSHA, and internal safety standards. Ensure robust food safety and quality systems, including HACCP, Preventive Controls, GFSI schemes (e.g., BRC, SQF), and GMP compliance. Partner closely with Quality/Food Safety to maintain audit?ready facilities and to respond to regulatory, third?party, and customer audits. Establish, track, and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) such as safety, yield, quality, OEE, schedule adherence, labor efficiency, and waste. Drive continuous improvement and LEAN manufacturing initiatives to enhance throughput, reduce losses, and optimize labor and material usage. Oversee staffing, workforce planning, and organizational design for manufacturing; build, coach, and mentor leaders and frontline teams. Manage the manufacturing budget, including labor, materials, maintenance, and capital; ensure delivery of annual financial and productivity commitments. Collaborate with Supply Chain, Procurement, Planning, and Logistics to ensure reliable supply of raw materials and on?time delivery of finished goods. Partner with R D, Commercial, and Engineering on new product launches, line extensions, process changes, and capital projects to ensure flawless execution in the plant. Ensure all operations comply with federal, state, and local regulations (FDA, USDA if applicable, CDPH, environmental, waste/water, and labeling). Maintain high standards of sanitation, allergen control, and environmental monitoring in coordination with Sanitation and Quality teams. Lead problem solving and root?cause analysis for safety, quality, and productivity issues; implement effective corrective and preventive actions (CAPA). Represent manufacturing on the Senior Leadership Team and contribute to the company's long?term strategic planning. Required Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred. 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, with at least 5 years in a leadership role within the food or beverage industry. Demonstrated track record of leading plant or multi?site operations to improved safety, quality, service, and cost performance. Strong knowledge of food safety regulations and standards, including HACCP, Preventive Controls (FSMA), GMPs, and GFSI?recognized schemes (e.g., BRC, SQF). Experience with lean manufacturing, CI, or TPM tools (e.g., value stream mapping, 5S, SMED, root?cause analysis). Proven ability to manage budgets, interpret P&L, and deliver financial targets through operational excellence. Strong people?leadership capabilities, including coaching, performance management, succession planning, and building a high?engagement culture. Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across functions and levels. Preferred Qualifications Experience leading manufacturing operations in California or the West Coast, with familiarity in Cal/OSHA, state environmental, and labor regulations. Background in refrigerated, frozen, bakery, beverage, or other relevant category depending on your product portfolio. Experience in a unionized environment, including labor relations and contract administration (if applicable). Prior responsibility for multiple plants or a large, high?volume facility.