Senior Director Of Operations

Purpose of the Position

Leads, directs and coordinates overall plant operations, achieving organizational objectives while ensuring cost effectiveness, timeliness and accuracy of processing as well as high product quality and workplace safety. Promotes Simmons mission and values. Supports the objectives and initiatives of the company strategy outlined by the leadership team.

ESSENTIAL POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES - This is a Salary Exempt position.

Directs operations to achieve company goals. Leads, directs and coordinates overall plant operations including plant scheduling, production and maintenance to ensure product is produced in a manner that meets company, customer, state and local requirements and regulations. Accomplishes quality performance which meets or exceeds all line, department, facility, company, and USDA/FDA guidelines or grading process for a total quality program and customer relations. Collaborates with functional areas including Human Resources, Safety, Maintenance, Quality Assurance, Finance, Shipping, Supply Chain and others.

Responsible for budget and major facility expenses. Manages and is held accountable for the production budget for the facility. Plans and recommends capital and other major expenditures for the purchase, repair or replacement of facilities and equipment to ensure safe and efficient operations within Company policy and government guidelines. Presents operation updates to the leadership team.

Promotes a safe work environment that meets safety requirements complying with all policies or regulations set forth by Simmons, OSHA, or various government agencies concerning safety, environment, handling of food products, packaging, ingredients and any related items. Ensures the facility is operated in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Ensures plant compliance with all local, state and federal laws, regulations and rulings as related to production and delivery, including DOT, OSHA, ADEQ, pollution control as recommended by the Company and other regulatory and company standards.

Creates a culture of continuous improvement. Develops a culture of continuous improvement for direct reports. Drives process improvement and works to continually find ways to drive out waste.

Manages employees. Directs and supervises employees’ work activities and monitors work performance. Collaborates with Human Resources to screen, interview and hire candidates. Administers disciplinary actions and recommends performance improvement actions in collaboration with the HR Manager. Monitors work performance and recommends compensation decisions based on guidelines. Follows Simmons values to develop and maintain a favorable working relationship with all employees. Promotes a cooperative and harmonious environment in order to facilitate positive employee morale, productivity, and continued improvement.

Participates as a member of the Team. Participates in the ongoing development, communication and implementation of team concepts, programs and policies; coordinates work to ensure best practices with all team members. Attends appropriate team meetings. As a member of the Team, fosters strong cohesiveness regarding all major issues; e.g., direction, annual plan, budget, policy changes, etc. Accepts responsibility to quickly identify any areas that lack cohesiveness, bringing them to the attention of the team leader and working with the team in a supportive manner to resolve issues and actively look for ways, and reinforce actions needed, to achieve synergy possible within the larger organization.

Simmons Operating systems principles and objectives: Is familiar with Simmons’ established operating systems (e.g. quality, security, office environment, company policies, LEAN); understands the responsibility to maintain familiarity with the systems and this position’s role in support of these systems - including a consideration of the impact of individual actions on the systems and the responsibility to communicate concerns and improvement ideas.

Performs other duties as necessary in support of business objectives: This position description is intended to guide the activities of the person in this position and is not intended to limit the thinking and creativity of the person as to the work of this function nor is it intended that this describe all the work that may be required of the person in this position.

Physical Activities: Enters and locates information on a computer. Visually verifies information, often in small print. Communicates with Customers, Vendors, or Employees via telephone, in person, and/or electronic mail. May present information to small or large groups. Must be able to work in various temperatures. Move about in a manufacturing environment and surrounding property. May travel via car or plane to various work locations.

Travel: Travels to and from multiple facilities, work-sites, or customer locations, occasionally requiring overnight stays.

Technical Experience: 3 years of experience in food processing supervision, 2 years of managing multiple departments and 5 years of experience within a food processing or manufacturing organization. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office.

Industry Experience: Preference for food processing or manufacturing organization.

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree in related field or 4 years prior management experience.

Preferred Education: N/A