Director of Operations, Food Manufacturing
Job Description
Director of Operations, Food Manufacturing
Our client is seeking an experienced Spanish speaking Director of Operations for their food manufacturing facility in Weslaco, Texas. This position will provide overall leadership, direction, and accountability for manufacturing and supply chain operations while ensuring safe, efficient, and cost effective production and maintaining the highest standards of product quality and food safety. Client will consider VISA sponsorship for the right candidate. This is an onsite direct hire opportunity.
Company Profile
Food manufacturing companyÂ
Director of Operations Role
Provide overall leadership, direction, and accountability for manufacturing and supply chain operations.
Oversee daily operations including production, quality, sanitation, maintenance coordination, warehousing, and logistics.
Ensure production schedules are met while optimizing efficiency, yield, and cost control.
Drive operational discipline and standardization across departments.
Provide operational leadership across a manufacturing organization’s workforce, working through production supervisors and functional leaders in warehouse, maintenance, and quality.
Serve as a key leader supporting the SQF Practitioner and ensure full compliance with SQF Code requirements.
Ensure effective implementation and maintenance of HACCP plans, GMPs, PRPs, and sanitation programs.
Promote a strong food safety culture throughout all levels of the organization.
Ensure corrective and preventive actions are implemented effectively and sustainably.
Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste and improve productivity.
Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, improved equipment utilization, and labor efficiency.
Monitor key performance indicators for safety, quality, productivity, and cost.
Lead, coach, and develop supervisors and plant personnel to build a high performance workforce.
Promote teamwork, accountability, and strong communication across departments.
Ensure proper training programs are implemented and maintained.
Ensure compliance with OSHA, FDA, SQF, and other applicable regulatory requirements.
Maintain a safe working environment and enforce safety policies and procedures.
Drive proactive risk identification and mitigation strategies.
Coordinate with procurement, scheduling, and supply chain teams to ensure material availability and production continuity.
Oversee supplier performance in collaboration with Quality Assurance.
Manage plant budgets, operational costs, and resource allocation.
Provide regular reports on production and warehouse performance, quality metrics, and operational results to senior management.
Partner closely with existing plant and executive leadership as additional day to day operational responsibilities transition to this position.
Support continued evaluation and optimization of the plant's production and shift structure.
Report directly to executive operations leadership and participate in broader operational decision making for the organization.
Director of Operations Background Profile
Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Food Science, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field preferred.
7+ years of experience in food manufacturing or regulated manufacturing environment.
3+ years in a plant leadership or plant management role preferred.
Bilingual in Spanish and English
Proven experience managing production, quality systems, and cross functional teams.
Strong background in SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and food safety compliance.
Strong leadership and plant operations management experience.
Deep understanding of food manufacturing systems and regulatory compliance.
Knowledge of SQF, HACCP, GMPs, and food safety programs.
Lean Manufacturing / Continuous Improvement mindset.
Strong decision making and problem solving skills.
Excellent communication in English and Spanish (preferred/bilingual required depending on workforce).
Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment.
Features and Benefits
Competitive base salary.
Performance based bonus opportunity.
Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.
PTO and Holidays
Medical insurance.
Dental insurance.
Vision insurance.
VISA Sponsorship if needed.
Job Requirements
Additional Information
Frontline Source Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. The client cannot sponsor any visas.
Disclaimer: Sensitive and personal data will not be requested by Frontline Source Group or its affiliates until a job offer is made and accepted. If you ever doubt the validity of our job postings, we encourage you to call one of our branch locations to verify the status on any job.
Meet Your Recruiter
Mike Cook
Mike Cook or as he is known in the industry "Grocery Store Mike", is a specialized grocery retail recruiter for Frontline Source Group. With more than 35+ years in the grocery retail industry, Mike started as a part-time courtesy clerk. He worked his way up to serve in-store leadership positions with both traditional and specialty food formats. His expertise lies in hiring, training, and developing company leaders for small supermarkets to large grocery store operations with hundreds of locations. This experience is what differentiates his ability to recruit top Grocery talent from other recruiters in the market place.
Throughout his career, Mike has placed an emphasis on professional development and continuing education. He was in the charter class of Brookshire University, graduating as salutatorian. He also has earned certificates of proficiency in management specialized leadership and retail management from Tyler Junior College. The later certification was in collaboration with the Western Association of Food Chains. And, he has received numerous awards and accolades for customer service and leadership.
Mike has a passion for community service, having served as a board member for the Bear Creek Specialty Utility District (formerly Lavon Water Supply Corporation) from 2007-2013; Community Independent School District board trustee from 2013-2017; and currently serves as Lavon City Councilman, Place 2 since 2017.
