Regional Director of Operations- Charlotte, NC

Position Overview
The Regional Director of Operations leads and optimizes manufacturing, supply chain, and operational performance across multiple food production facilities. This role ensures alignment with company strategy while driving excellence in safety, quality, efficiency, and profitability. The Director partners with site leaders and corporate functions, ensuring consistent operational execution and continuous improvement across the region.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Multi‑Site Management

• Provide leadership and oversight for multiple food manufacturing plants.
• Guide plant managers to meet production goals and drive operational accountability.
• Align regional performance with corporate KPIs and strategic priorities.

Operational Excellence

• Improve efficiency, throughput, and productivity across all facilities.
• Implement Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement practices.
• Monitor key metrics such as OEE, yields, downtime, and labor utilization; drive corrective actions.

Compliance, Safety & Quality

• Ensure compliance with FDA, USDA, HACCP, and other regulatory requirements.
• Maintain certifications such as SQF, BRC, or ISO.
• Oversee audits, inspections, and corrective action processes.

Strategic Planning & Financial Performance

• Support regional strategy development and annual budgeting.
• Partner with Finance to manage cost controls and achieve financial targets.
• Forecast capacity, staffing, and resources to meet production needs.

Talent Development

• Recruit, develop, and retain high‑performing operational talent.
• Lead performance management, succession planning, and capability building.
• Build a culture of continuous learning and leadership excellence.

Supply Chain & Logistics

• Partner with supply chain teams on sourcing, inventory management, and logistics.
• Ensure timely production scheduling and delivery of finished goods.
• Resolve supplier, production, or distribution challenges.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Serve as the liaison between regional operations and corporate functions including HR, Finance, R&D, and Marketing.
• Support Sales and Customer Service to meet customer expectations and resolve escalations.
• Champion enterprise initiatives and ensure consistent regional adoption.

Qualifications:

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Food Science, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience

• 5+ years in food manufacturing or related industry.
• At least 2 years in senior multi‑site operations leadership.
• Proven ability to improve operational efficiency and manage budgets.
• Experience with food safety programs (HACCP, SQF, USDA, FDA).

Skills

• Strong leadership and talent‑development skills.
• Excellent problem‑solving and continuous improvement abilities.
• Working knowledge of Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
• Effective communication and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Strong financial acumen and KPI management.

Work Environment

• Regional travel up to 50%.
• Office‑based with frequent visits to production environments.