Director of Operations

Job Title: Director of Operations

Location: Madison, WI

Company: Oakhouse Bakery – Granola Manufacturer for Private Label & Brand Products

About Us:

Oakhouse Bakery is a premier manufacturer of high-quality granola, producing a wide variety of products for private label brands. Our commitment to excellence, innovation, and sustainability has earned us a reputation as a trusted supplier in the granola industry. We are currently seeking an experienced Director of Operations to join our dynamic team and lead our operations at our Madison, WI facility.

Position Overview:

The Director of Operations oversees all daily operations within the manufacturing, supply chain, and logistics functions to ensure consistent delivery of safe, high-quality food products. This leader is responsible for driving efficiency, maintaining compliance with food safety and regulatory standards (e.g., SQF, FDA), optimizing plant performance, and developing a high-performing operations team that supports the company’s strategic and financial goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Operational Leadership

• Lead all quality, production, maintenance, engineering, and logistics activities to ensure daily operational excellence and efficiency.
• Develop, implement, and monitor KPIs related to production output, yield, quality, downtime, and cost.
• Partner with Finance and the COO on capital planning, budgeting, and continuous improvement investments.
• Oversee preventative maintenance and equipment lifecycle management to reduce unplanned downtime.

Quality, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with SQF, FDA, OSHA, and other relevant food safety and occupational safety regulations.
• Support the Quality Manager in maintaining and improving the Food Safety Management System (FSMS).
• Drive a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement throughout the plant.
• Ensure all employees are trained and competent in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and site procedures.

Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company growth, cost reduction, and margin improvement objectives.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and 5S practices across all departments.
• Identify and implement automation, process improvement, and cost-saving initiatives.
• Lead root cause analysis and corrective action efforts for recurring operational issues.

Team Development & Leadership

• Build, lead, and mentor a strong operations management team (Production, Maintenance, Supply Chain, Quality).
• Establish clear performance expectations and accountability frameworks for all direct reports.
• Partner with HR to foster employee engagement, recognition, and professional development.
• Promote collaboration between production, procurement, quality, and finance teams.

Supply Chain & Inventory

• Oversee procurement, materials management, and inventory control processes.
• Optimize scheduling, planning, and logistics to ensure on-time production and fulfillment.
• Partner with suppliers and vendors to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and reliability.

Capital Projects & Facilities

• Manage capital request and approval processes for all operational investments.
• Oversee plant expansion, construction, and equipment installation projects in coordination with engineering and external contractors.
• Ensure all facility infrastructure supports current and future operational needs.

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in food or beverage manufacturing.
• 10 years of progressive leadership experience in food or beverage manufacturing operations.
• Proven experience leading multi-shift manufacturing environments with SQF or GFSI certification.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, process improvement, and KPI-driven performance management.

Skills & Competencies

• Deep knowledge of food safety and regulatory compliance.
• Financial acumen with experience in budgeting, cost control, and capital project justification.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, growth-oriented manufacturing environment.