Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Location: Long Island City, NY

Work Days: on site M-F, 8-5, some evening and weekend hours required

Reports To: President

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading all operational functions of the company, including supply and demand planning, production, warehousing, shipping, logistics, maintenance, sanitation and food safety. This role ensures the efficient production and distribution of cooking oil products to Customers while maintaining high standards of safety, quality, and operational performance.

The Director of Operations manages key operational leaders and works closely with the President and cross-functional colleagues to drive productivity improvements, optimize processes, and build a high-performing workforce. The position requires strong leadership, operational planning, and continuous improvement capabilities to ensure reliable production, accurate inventory management, and on-time shipments.

Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership and Workforce Management

• Manage and coach the operations leadership team, including:

• Maintenance Manager
• Production Foreman
• Floor Manager
• Food Safety Consultant
• Support these leaders in managing their respective teams and achieving operational KPIs
• Assess workforce needs and oversee recruiting, selection, onboarding, scheduling, and training of employees and temporary staff
• Foster a collaborative, accountable, and performance-driven work environment.

• Operational Leadership

• Oversee and maintain direct responsibility for all core operational functions including:
• • Supply and demand planning for raw materials and packaging
  • Production of finished goods
  • Warehousing operations
  • Logistics and shipping
  • Equipment and facility maintenance
  • Sanitation and operational cleanliness
  • Ensure operations run efficiently, safely, and in compliance with food safety and regulatory standards
  • Manage Operations budget and ensure compliance with company policies.

  • Operational Improvement and Strategic Collaboration

  • Collaborate with direct reports and leadership team to improve productivity and operational effectiveness
  • Identify and implement improvements in processes, workflow, equipment, and facility layout, including optimization of warehouse structure and operations
  • Champion improvement initiatives related to:
  • • Equipment and automation
    • Technology and operational systems
    • Process and organization changes
    • Lead initiatives that enhance efficiency, safety, and scalability of operations.

    • Food Safety and Quality Program Management

    • Maintain the company’s food safety and quality programs and certifications including, but not limited to SQF and HACCP.  Act as the company’s SQF Practitioner.
• Lead and maintain the documentation for annual food safety audits
• Routinely review and take appropriate action to ensure the integrity of the SQF system
• Manage microbiological, environmental analysis when necessary
• Manage Customer complaints related to production and shipping
• Remain current with procedures, requirements, changes and policies covering food safety plans

Workforce Development and Performance Management

• Build and maintain a high-performing workforce through effective leadership and employee development
• Manage performance of both direct and indirect reports by:

• Clearly communicating job expectations and role requirements
• Providing regular feedback and coaching
• Evaluating performance against defined goals and standards
• Implementing corrective action including dismissal when infractions occur
• Develop and implement training programs for employees covering:
• Job-specific skills
• Safety and operational procedures (OSHA Adherence)
• Other topics including Leadership development, Continuous improvement, etc.

Operational Performance and KPI Management

• Achieve and maintain operational productivity goals including:

• Daily production targets
• Inventory accuracy
• Shipping accuracy and on-time fulfillment
• Collaborate with the leadership team to establish and refine operational KPIs
• Monitor performance metrics and implement corrective actions to ensure operational excellence.
  Qualifications

• Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, Business, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 7–10+ years of operations leadership experience managing production, warehousing, and logistics operations, including inventory management and ERP systems
• Strong leadership and team development experience
• Problem solving mindset and proactive, can-do attitude
• Experience implementing operational improvements and productivity initiatives
• Conversational Spanish:  Ability to communicate verbally, give directions, and understand responses in Spanish.

• Preferred

• Experience in food manufacturing
• Knowledge of food safety and sanitation standards
• Hands on experience managing small to mid-sized manufacturing operations.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.

GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.