Budget Management, Chemical Engineering, Coaching, Communication Skills, Compensation and Benefits, Continuous Improvement, Cross-Functional, Establish Priorities, Failure Analysis, Food Production, Food Safety, Food and Beverage Industry, GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), Hazard Analysis, Leadership, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Six Sigma, Maintain Compliance, Manufacturing, Manufacturing Operations, Manufacturing/Industrial Processes, Nutrition, Operational Improvement, Operational Strategy, Operations, Performance Analysis, Performance Goal Setting, Performance Management, Performance Reviews, Pest Control, Problem Solving Skills, Process Safety Management, Production Costing, Production Schedule, Production Systems, Production Volume, Productivity Management, Quality Metrics, Root Cause Analysis, Safety Compliance, Safety Standards, Safety/Work Safety, Sanitation, Six Sigma Black Belt, Six Sigma Green Belt, Staff Development, Strategic Planning, Supply Chain, Sustainability, Team Player, Trend Analysis, Variable Costs
Job Summary
- Are you ready to lead high-impact manufacturing operations and drive performance in a fast-paced production environment?
IFF is a global leader in flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health and biosciences. We deliver sustainable innovations that elevate everyday products.
Food Ingredients: Innovating improved nutritional profiles, better taste and texture, and greater cost efficiency to meet the needs of global food and beverage manufacturers.
The Unit Operations Leader role is based in Memphis, Tennessee (onsite role). Be part of a collaborative, results-driven, and growth-oriented team where together we can achieve meaningful impact and operational excellence.
Your potential is our inspiration!
Where You'll Make a Difference
- Lead daily manufacturing operations for assigned production unit(s), ensuring alignment with safety, quality, cost, and production volume targets
- Develop and implement strategies to improve operational performance, including cost efficiency, productivity, and continuous improvement outcomes
- Drive a strong safety culture by ensuring compliance with safety, health, environmental, and Process Safety Management standards
- Apply Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Root Cause Failure Analysis methodologies to identify trends, solve problems, and eliminate process inefficiencies
- Partner with site leadership and supply chain teams to coordinate production schedules and align with customer demand
- Manage operating budgets, including planning, tracking, and reporting of fixed and variable costs
- Lead performance management processes, including goal setting, performance evaluation, coaching, and development of team members
- Establish clear priorities, reinforce accountability, and maintain operational discipline across the production unit
- Ensure compliance with all food safety and quality standards, including Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, Good Manufacturing Practices, sanitation, and pest control programs
What Makes You the Right Fit
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering (Chemical, Mechanical, or related technical discipline) or equivalent experience
- Approximately eight or more years of experience in a manufacturing or industrial environment
- Experience managing budgets and understanding fixed and variable cost structures
- Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, equipment utilization, and operational systems
- Demonstrated experience leading safety programs, audits, and promoting safe work behaviors
- Experience with Process Safety Management and continuous improvement practices
- Experience using Root Cause Failure Analysis or similar structured problem-solving methodologies
- Strong communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across cross-functional teams
How Would You Stand Out?
- Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt certification
- Experience leading Lean Manufacturing initiatives at scale
- Proven success in driving culture transformation focused on safety, engagement, and accountability
Why Choose Us?
- Opportunity to lead high-impact manufacturing operations in a large production facility
- Collaborative, inclusive team environment focused on continuous improvement
- Access to ongoing professional development and technical training
- Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits
- Strong commitment to safety, sustainability, and innovation
- Opportunity to make a meaningful impact on products used around the world
For your awareness, IFF has announced its intention to sell its Food Ingredients Business to CVC Capital Partners. The sale is currently expected to close in the first half of 2027, pending regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.
The Food Ingredient business unit will remain part of IFF until close and, at such time, will transition to CVC Capital Partners. By applying for this position, candidates acknowledge awareness that the role is part of the Food Ingredient business unit and has been identified to transition to CVC Capital Partners.
We are a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition, offering our customers a broader range of natural solutions and accelerating our growth strategy. At IFF, we believe that your uniqueness unleashes our potential. We value the diverse mosaic of the ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, or veteran status. We strive for an inclusive workplace that allows each of our colleagues to bring their authentic self to work regardless of their religion, gender identity & expression, sexual orientation, or disability.
Visit IFF.com/careers/workplace-diversity-and-inclusion to learn more
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International Flavors & Fragrances Inc
As a leading global creator of flavors and fragrances used in a wide variety of consumer products, millions of consumers around the world enjoy our products on a daily basis. Since the 19th century, IFF and its predecessor companies have worked closely with the world's leading brands in developing the scents and tastes for products that have become household names. Consumers experience these flavors and fragrances in beverages, sweets, dairy, and savory products, as well as fine fragrances, beauty care products, detergents, and household goods.
By focusing on our core competencies of consumer insight, research & development, and creative expertise, we continue to be an integral part in helping our
customers drive consumer preference and grow the equity of their brands.
5,000 to 9,999 employees
Biotechnology/Pharmaceuticals