Director of Operations (Beverage / Dairy)

Title: Sr Plant Manager/Director of Operations (Dairy/Beverages Industry)

Location: Columbia, MO

Duration: Direct-Hire

Relocastion Assistance available

Job description:

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Dairy Science, Engineering, Business, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in beverage, dairy, or liquid food processing with high-speed or aseptic bottling (400 bottles per minute).
• 3 years in a senior plant or multi-site leadership role.
• Proven experience with plant automation systems, robotics, and digital manufacturing tools.
• Strong track record of mentorship, culture building, and team development.
• Demonstrated success driving continuous improvement and change management initiatives.
• Knowledge of organic food processing regulations (USDA Organic, Non-GMO) preferred.
• Experience with pasteurization, aseptic processing, or small-batch bottling is highly desirable.
• Solid financial acumen with experience managing budgets, KPIs, and capital projects.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $180,000.00 - $250,000.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Vision insurance

Experience:

• Plant Operations: 10 years (Required)
• Dairy/Beverages Industry: 7 years (Required)
• aseptic bottling : 8 years (Required)
• Automation Equipment: 6 years (Required)
• Food processing plant: 7 years (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Columbia, MO 65215 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Columbia, MO 65215: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $180,000 - $250,000