Prioritized candidates will live in the Houston area or a neighboring city. At this time, we are not approved to relocate any candidate.

POSITION PURPOSE:

The Director, Operations is a change leader responsible for the overall business results of multiple (10 ) geographically dispersed manufacturing, distribution center, ISB, and Refurb Center activities with total revenue of approximately $50M or more. This includes results within the area of local Sales, Marketing, Manufacturing, Distribution/Routing, Engineering, Maintenance, Environmental Health & Safety, Talent and Purchasing. The Director, Operations provides direct management oversight to the daily activities of centralized overhead operations that must deliver effective sales, operational, and administrative support to the plants, DC’s and other operations within the assigned regional area. This position will be a key contributor to the successful execution of Reddy Ice’s strategic direction as it is directly responsible for several large metropolitan areas that represents a significant portion of the company’s revenue.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Hire, train, coach, performance manage and review operations team including but not limited to Plant Managers, Distribution Center Managers, Operations Managers, Field Equipment Managers, and other key leadership positions. Lead, identify and implement continuous improvement efforts across total operation

• Promote a performance-driven and continuous-improvement environment for manufacturing and distribution operations. Foster innovation and creativity within the plant.
• Work with the team and the RVP to provide insights on process improvement opportunities for safety, quality, delivery, production and cost reduction. Create action plan, influence, develop plans and lead the implementation.
• Leads, collaborates and demonstrates the Lean principles and utilizes the Lean management system to effectively manage daily activities and drive improvements across teams and the enterprise. Actively utilizes Lean tools (VSM, Kaizen, A3, etc.) to inform and assess business opportunities to drive continuous improvement. Drive the development and execution of a metropolitan sales strategy
• Actively participate on short and long-term strategic planning. Proactively seek ways to improve efficiency, product quality and cost containment.
• Establish and maintain profitable relationships with customers by actively prospecting new accounts and maximizing sales potential with existing customers.
• Own and lead the implementation of strategic sales, marketing, customer and pricing initiatives across the market. Experience with driving major initiatives and working cross functionally.
• Implement and model customer service standards across multiple operations by ensuring unbeatable excellence in operating discipline. Enhance the customer experience by understanding the unique needs of each customer and creating corresponding operational strategies that meet financial goals.
• Lead and achieve operational strategy outcomes
• Actively participate on short and long-term strategic planning and experience with driving transformational team agendas.
• Deliver effective operations execution for the market by holding the management team accountable; initiating and leading company change efforts to maximize desired results; and monitoring the effectiveness and implementation of continuous improvement programs to drive sustained operational excellence.
• Collaborate with Plant Managers, DC Managers, Operations Managers and other direct reports to achieve strategic initiatives for each operating unit.
• Leads the implementation of strategic initiatives at multiple plants and DC’s, provide status highlighting progress and escalating issues as needed. Ability to effectively manage projects and initiatives, working cross functionally.
• Responsible for all manufacturing and logistics related activities within the assigned market.
• Assess performance against operating plans & standards for all plants, DC’s, and operations within the market. Ensure overall performance meets or exceeds regional goals. Responsible for managing 3rd party distributors and/or co-packers to ensure strong execution and partnership.
• Participate in financial analysis and planning and track P&L metrics.
• Drives overall financial performance for the metropolitan area by preparing, analyzing, and reconciling financial reports; developing and maintaining annual capital and expense budgets, building sales forecasts, monitoring operating and EBITDA budgets. Collaborate with the regional teams, commercial/sales, and other and teams for input.
• Review and approve invoices, expenses & other accounting reports as required by policy.
• Track budgets and progress towards monthly/annual sales and profit targets for the area. Conduct financial analysis to understand variances, deviations, and overall performance and calculate financial metrics. Perform root-cause analysis to understand drivers of financial performance. Document results and analysis.
• Discuss financial performance with Regional Vice President (RVP) and as needed define and execute plans for financial corrections.
• Maintain and track KPIs.
• Determine KPI’s for the market that achieve business objectives in cooperation with the RVP.
• Compile and track KPIs for assigned area and analyze the metrics to understand drivers and root cause for performance and present metrics and trends to RVP and/or regional support partners.
• Lead initiatives to improve KPIs and track trends and progress. KPI initiatives will be focused on reduction of CPU and improvement of operational efficiencies and productivity.
• Create a positive culture that supports employee development and building strong talent.
• Conduct staff meetings to communicate key initiatives and messages and ensure messages are cascaded down into the organization.
• Supervise, develop, and coach direct reports.
• Work with local management to support employees on their growth and development. Motivate employees to contribute at their full potential.
• Identify top talent and be a mentor and advisor for high performing employees. Outline succession plans to identify growth opportunities for top talent.
• Coordinate the hiring and training of direct reports, including headcount planning and performance management, and interview for key positions.
• Develop and sustain proactive employee relations across the metropolitan area.
• Partner with Human Resources to establish, drive and maintain all people practices and ensure 100% adherence to established performance management timelines.
• Assume other duties and responsibilities required or assigned by management. Adheres to the Code of Business Ethics; values honesty and integrity above all else; expects Plant and Regional employees to also be committed to the highest ethical standards.

OPERATING RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Director of Operations establishes processes and check points to ensure plants, DC’s, ISB, and refurbishment centers meet operational standards for output, safety, quality and customer service. The role drives the execution of strategic initiatives, and manages multiple P&L’s of $50M to achieve broader group outcomes. Identifies process improvement opportunities to drive efficiency and oversee operational performance to ensure consistent and superior customer service, while also building a strong culture that develops employees. This leader will oversee all manufacturing and production, as well as all distribution and delivery of product.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• College degree required; MBA preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in the ice business or related food production industry with an understanding of seasonal demand and the overall manufacturing and distribution process.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive leadership/management and customer-facing experience in a large manufacturing/distribution environment with multi-site responsibility.
• Minimum 7 years of experience with change management/team transformation.
• IASC Lean Practitioner Certification (or higher) preferred.
• Knowledge of manufacturing & distribution capabilities, process improvements, root cause analysis, and computer skills.
• Project management or technical leadership experience.
• Results oriented with a high level of organization and time management skills.
• Ability to motivate teams and develop and mentor resources.
• Able to work in a rapidly changing environment. Comfortable with 24/7 operations environment.
• Must have valid driver’s license & good driving record – will be required to use company vehicle at times.