Job description
Job Summary
The Packaging Operations Director spearheads the comprehensive management of all packaging activities, including Fill, FTO, and Blend, with a focus on enhancing safety, quality, efficiency, service, and personnel outcomes. This position is responsible for synchronizing the packaging strategy with overarching manufacturing and business goals, while ensuring operational excellence, regulatory adherence, and ongoing improvement across all packaging operations and shifts. As a vital leader in manufacturing, the Director collaborates closely with Plant Leadership, Blending/Production, Quality, Maintenance, Engineering, Supply Chain, and Finance to drive sustainable performance and facilitate future development.
Responsibilities
- Oversee all aspects of packaging operations, including staffing, throughput, equipment performance, and material flow.
- Convert business and production strategies into actionable packaging execution plans that align with safety, quality, delivery, and cost objectives.
- Develop both short- and long-term operational strategies such as capacity planning, labor models, and capital requirements.
- Collaborate with Plant Leadership to create budgets, forecast costs, and manage packaging-related financial impacts.
- Ensure effective integration between Blending/Production, Maintenance, Quality, Engineering, and Supply Chain.
- Lead and mentor Packaging Managers and key functional leaders, fostering a strong leadership pipeline.
- Cultivate a culture centered on accountability, engagement, safety, and continuous enhancement across packaging teams.
- Set clear performance expectations, perform talent reviews, and lead succession planning initiatives.
- Champion training excellence and skill development along with standardized practices.
- Take full ownership of safety performance in packaging operations, emphasizing proactive risk management and compliance with regulations.
- Ensure packaging processes comply with both internal quality standards and external regulations.
- Work with Quality teams to investigate and rectify deviations, non-conformances, and customer complaints.
- Implement a quality-first approach through effective metrics, audits, and continuous improvement studies.
- Lead initiatives in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and ongoing improvements.
- Leverage data, key performance indicators, and problem-solving methods to enhance performance.
- Promote standardization, best practices, and explore automation opportunities.
- Assist in new product launches, line expansions, and innovative packaging development.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Chemistry, or a related field is preferred; equivalent experience is acceptable.
- A minimum of eight (8) years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, particularly in facilities with continuous 24/7 operations.
- Demonstrated expertise in leading multi-shift, multi-line packaging or production teams.
