Job Title: Head of Manufacturing

Location: KC

Reports To: SVP Operations & Engineering

Job Type: Executive

General Purpose

Lead the corporate function of overseeing manufacturing processes for an international food business with operations in 20 countries. The role requires a visionary and dynamic leader who drives initiatives toward manufacturing excellence.

This individual will be responsible for optimizing our production processes, implementing efficiency enhancements, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. With a keen focus on quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, they will lead cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence and drive sustainable growth for our organization.

The role will be responsible for ensuring optimized production of goods, while maintaining the most- high standards of Production, Quality, Safety, Food Safety, Regulatory Standards, and compliance with the Operational Excellence Model.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that align with the company's overall goals in accordance with the established Long Range Plan.
• Ensure operations are compliant with the objectives and goals of the business and the department, following up on KPI's and Action Plans implemented by the Regional Operations Directors.
• Develop and implement control and monitoring systems for manufacturing plans to optimize the installed manufacturing capacities of the operations. Ensure that productivity and profitability targets are consistently met or exceeded.
• Prepares, develops and manages operational improvement plans that include development of our staff, efficiency and compliance with standard and goals.
• Manage and develop a high-performing manufacturing team, including hiring, training, mentoring, and performance management.
• Implement and enforce quality control measures to ensure that manufactured products meet or exceed customer expectations and industry standards.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams, such as engineering, procurement, and logistics, to ensure seamless coordination and communication throughout the manufacturing process.
• Actively participates in the analysis, preparation and monitoring of CAPEX and OPEX that guarantee improvements in the drivers of manufacturing process.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as sales, marketing, and finance, to align manufacturing activities with sales forecasts, demand planning, and budgetary constraints.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, industry standards, and quality management systems, such as ISO, Food safety, Global Gap Kaizen or Lean certifications.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in manufacturing, and actively seek opportunities to leverage new technologies or methodologies to improve manufacturing processes.
• Ensure adequate physical systems and controls are in place for raw material/ingredient storage, handling, shrink minimization, blending, addition of liquids, fats or flavors.
• Provide support for development of new products and expansion of existing product lines.

Required Skills

• Strong leadership and management abilities, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels.
• Excellent organizational and management skills.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing manufacturing strategies that drive operational excellence and achieve business objectives.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing principles, processes, and technologies, including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficient in using manufacturing software systems and tools, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and data analytics platforms.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and best practices, such as ISO 9001 and Others (FSCC, Global Gap, Lean manufacturing, etc.).
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of Safety & Environment regulations and practices within the manufacturing industry.
• Ability to adapt to fast-paced and changing environments, and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Thorough understanding of Policies, Procedures and Best Practices used in food manufacturing.
• Ability to establish long term goals and communicate them to others.
• Lead teams, focused and aligned to the management model based on Operational Excellence
• Accountability for actions & results.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor of Engineering, or related degree required.
• Master's degree preferred.
• Proven experience in a senior manufacturing management role, with a minimum of 15 years of experience in manufacturing operations (preferred milling, baking, feed industry in a food manufacturing operation).
• Strong track record of successfully managing large-scale manufacturing operations, preferably within a complex and highly regulated industry (in troubleshooting existing flour and feed milling manufacturing processes for purposes of optimization).
• Experience in implementing lean manufacturing principles and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent knowledge of manufacturing processes, technologies and best practices developed and validated with effective implementations in the field.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and developing a high-performing manufacturing team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Fluency in English required, Spanish or French is a plus.
• Professional certifications, such as Certified Manufacturing Professional (CMP) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to implement technical solutions and best practices at facilities throughout the company.
• Experience working in developing countries preferred.

Direct Reports

• Group Operations Analyst
• Regional Operations Directors
• Process Improvement Manager

Core Competencies.

• Global Perspective
• Execution Capacity
• Strategic View
• Technical Knowledge
• Drive Mission and Purpose
• Cultivate innovation
• Manages Ambiguity
• Accountability
• Collaborations & Teamwork
• Effective Communication
• Interpersonal Savvy

Working Environment/Conditions

• Must be in good physical health
• Must be able to operate outside of normal comfort zones at times
• Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment with the ability to climb stairs, crawl in tight spaces and other physical requirements to analyze asset conditions
• Must be able to travel internationally, approximately 35- 40 % of the time across developing countries