Director of Operations, Food Manufacturing

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 company 

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.