Director of Operations, Bulk and Yogurt

Director of Operations, Bulk and Yogurt

company information

fairlife, LLC is a Chicago-based dairy company that creates great-tasting, nutrition-rich and value-added products to nourish consumers.

With more than $1B in annual retail sales, fairlife’s growing portfolio of delicious, lactose-free, real dairy products includes: fairlife® ultra-filtered milk; Core Power® High Protein Shakes, a sports nutrition drink to support post-workout recovery; fairlife® nutrition plan™, a nutrition shake to support the journey to better health.

A wholly owned subsidiary of The Coca-Cola company, fairlife, LLC has been recognized by both Fast Company and Nielsen for its industry leading innovation.

The company is driven by its values of caring for people, the animals that supply us with milk, and the planet. By providing nourishing products, implementing stringent care standards for animals, and stewarding efficient operations and responsible packaging, fairlife, LLC puts a focus each day on making a positive impact for all. 

To learn more about fairlife and its complete line of products, please visit fairlife.com.

job purpose:

The Director of Operations for Bulk and Yogurt is responsible for the overall strategic leadership of fairlife's Dexter, New Mexico bulk dairy plant and Fair Oaks, Indiana yogurt plant. This individual will be fully accountable for meeting Safety, Environmental, Quality, Production, Efficiency, Service Levels and People objectives for both sites. In addition, this role will provide inspiration, direction, coaching and feedback to the plant leadership team which is responsible for meeting the business plan and strategic objectives whilst strengthening the fairlife culture of Believe in Better and fostering a culture of measurement driven continuous improvement. This role is responsible for the strategic execution of production plans working closely with supply chain partners to deliver quality production to our customers. They will develop and implement internal operating protocol, policies, and procedures in accordance with established company policy.

responsibilities:

• Responsible for the development of strategic initiatives, projects, plant processes, and management systems to continuously improve results in safety, quality assurance, productivity, cost savings, environmental stewardship, and customer service
• Develop and drive key strategic initiatives throughout the supply chain for bulk, byproducts, and yogurt businesses
• Ensure adherence to all health and safety policies, GMP policies, and regulatory requirements
• Partner with relevant stakeholders to ensure production plans are in accordance with plant capacities and capabilities. Refine near term plans to maximize productivity, quality, and customer service
• Support development of plant operational budgets, capital budgets, organizational structure, and policies and procedures.
• Conduct regular meetings with plant directors, leaders and employees to communicate state of the business, plant goals, performance against targets, policy changes, and opportunities for operational improvement
• Provide dairy science, mechanical, process, and technical problem-solving support to plant leadership, engineers, and operators
• Establish routines to communicate and engage the workforce across both sites to build a culture of collaboration and a one-team mindset in addition to connecting with large sites to drive better connection and alignment across manufacturing
• Inspire, coach, and guide teams across manufacturing sites, and supply chain functions by focusing on leadership development, complex problem solving, and continuous improvement
• Meet short term goals while balancing long term objectives
• Be an ambassador for the Dexter NM and Fair Oaks IN plants, representing the values, culture, and ethos of fairlife with internal and external stakeholders
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned

 skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related discipline required
• 7+ years of Plant Management and equivalent experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities outlined
• Demonstrated operations leadership experience and development of team members
• Dairy or brewing experience preferred; pharmaceutical or food experience considered.
• Proven ability to identify and mitigate food safety risks with a temperature sensitive pathogen risky raw material such as milk
• A proven track record of implementing LEAN principles creating short- and long-term value
• Proven ability to lead a team to achieve goals with trust and integrity
• Skilled in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community
• Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues
• Ability to analyze and assess training and development needs and manage performance
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing
• Working knowledge of information technology and information systems such as ERP, MRP, MES, SCADA and business analytics  
• Knowledge and understanding of federal and state environmental laws, regulations, procedures, and standards
• Knowledge of budgeting cost estimating and fiscal management principles and procedures
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

position location: Chicago, IL

reports to:  VP, Manufacturing Operations

travel requirements: 50%

fairlife, LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. All qualified applicants and employees will be given equal opportunity. Selection decisions are based on job-related factors.

In addition to its nondiscrimination commitment, the Company will also provide reasonable accommodation of qualified individuals with known disabilities unless doing so would impose an undue hardship on the Company. If you have a disability and would like to request accommodation in order to apply for a position with us, please email [email protected].