Director Of Operations - Oak Creek, WI

Operations Director

The Operations Director serves as the Site Leader for the Oak Creek, WI food manufacturing facility, overseeing all aspects of plant operations. This leadership role is responsible for building operational talent, driving continuous improvement, and implementing lean manufacturing practices to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety.

Reporting to the Regional Director, the Director is accountable for delivering sustainable improvements in safety, productivity, quality, on-time deliveries, and inventory management while fostering a high-performance culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and lead a high-performing team to maintain a competitive edge and exceptional customer service
• Champion safety awareness and implement innovative techniques to ensure a safe working environment
• Ensure strict compliance with all regulatory and company-defined food safety and sanitation standards
• Oversee critical food safety programs including SQF, sanitation, chemical control, and maintenance
• Maintain high visibility with employees and promote a hands-on, participative approach to problem-solving
• Drive continuous improvement using Toyota Production System (TPS) Lean Manufacturing principles
• Foster cross-functional collaboration and support enterprise-wide lean initiatives
• Achieve year-over-year financial targets through cost-reduction and continuous improvement projects
• Manage material replenishment methods, quality standards, and performance metrics
• Mentor managers and supervisors to build a winning culture and ensure strong succession planning
• Support product development initiatives to expand market share and potential
• Demonstrate excellent organizational, analytical, communication, and presentation skills

Qualifications

• BA or BS in Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field
• 5–10 years of leadership experience in food manufacturing or equivalent
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing concepts
• Proven track record of increasing responsibility and operational knowledge

Desirable Characteristics

• Team-oriented with the ability to quickly build rapport
• Positive energy and a proactive, change-agent mindset
• Comfortable with ambiguity and takes initiative with full accountability

Physical Demands

• Frequent standing, walking, sitting, reaching, and communication
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities

Work Environment

• Exposure to cold environments, moving mechanical parts, and varying noise levels on the factory floor
• Reasonable accommodations available for individuals with disabilities

Travel

• Must be willing to travel to customer and supplier sites

Associates at Fresh & Ready Foods are offered many fantastic benefits. Full-time and part-time positions offer the following benefits to associates: Retirement Plan, Associate Shopping Program, Health and Wellness Programs, Discount Marketplace, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, including Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Legal Services, and Choice Auto and Home Program. Full-time positions also offer the following benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance/AD, Disability Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Employee Assistance Program, Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs). Associates may also be eligible for paid and/or unpaid time off benefits in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. For positions in Washington State, Maryland, or to be performed Remotely, click here for paid time off benefits information.

About Compass Group: Achieving leadership in the foodservice industry. Compass Group is an equal opportunity employer. At Compass, we are committed to treating all Applicants and Associates fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience without regard to race, national origin, sex, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law. Qualified candidates must be able to perform the essential functions of this position satisfactorily with or without a reasonable accommodation. Disclaimer: this job post is not necessarily an exhaustive list of all essential responsibilities, skills, tasks, or requirements associated with this position. While this is intended to be an accurate reflection of the position posted, the Company reserves the right to modify or change the essential functions of the job based on business necessity. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Fresh and Ready Foods maintains a drug-free workplace.