Plant Director / Director of Operations Candidate

SEEKING A ROLE AS:
– Vice President of Operations
– Plant Director
– Director of Operations

PROFILE:
A highly accomplished and results-oriented operations executive with deep expertise in dairy, CPG, and shelf-stable food manufacturing. Known as a strategic and participative leader, this candidate excels at leading complex, highly regulated operations while developing human capital and building aligned, high-performing teams. With a proven track record of driving plant growth, optimizing efficiency, and executing multimillion-dollar capital projects, they bring a strong mix of operational excellence, financial acumen, and collaborative leadership. Strong ability to transform operations, enhance profitability, and deliver sustainable results across dairy and food manufacturing environments.

IN LOCATION: Based in Phoenix, AZ. Open to relocating anywhere in the U.S. and available immediately.

SKILLS & ACHIEVEMENTS:
– Grew UHT/ESL plant volume from 30M to 55M gallons per year, leading high-capacity fluid dairy operations.
– Directed $50M in capital investment for ESL and aseptic manufacturing, including installation of Tetra Pak A3 Speed and A3 Flex lines.
– Increased 96 oz. ESL rotary filling line efficiencies from 25% to 55% and optimized plastic line production cycles by 20%.
– Designed and constructed $18M butter churn, packing, and warehousing operations with a 12-year state tax abatement.
– Implemented $2M Whole Milk Powder gas-flushed bagging line, facilitating entry into the dairy powder export market.
– Led $62M, 18-month plant expansion increasing capacity from 3M PPD to 5M PPD; earned Dairy Foods Dairy Plant of the Year Award.
– Stabilized and restored profitability at a $100M/year fluid dairy plant losing $200K+/month within one year.
– Reduced employee turnover from 30% to 15% while fostering high-performing, inclusive teams.
– Expert in multi-site operations, capital project management, CI/Lean implementation, loss control, regulatory compliance, and human capital development.
– Experienced in allergen-intensive environments, FDA, SQF, ISO, and TQM standards.
– Strong record in labor relations, union avoidance, and team development in unionized and non-union environments.

EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science

COMPENSATION: Target total compensation $180,000–$210,000 depending on role, cost of living / location, and incentives.

If you are interested in speaking with this Dairy & CPG Operations Executive – Plant Growth, Operational Excellence, and Team Leadership Specialist who can:
– drive profitability
– implement strategic capital projects
– optimize high-volume manufacturing operations, then…
Contact:
Stephanie Savage
stephanies@kinsa.com
Worksite Preference:Open
Employment Preference:Permanent