Director of Manufacturing, Pellets

About Traeger Grills UK & Ireland

Traeger is the pioneer of the wood pellet grill, with over 30 years of expertise in outdoor cooking innovation. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, we are passionate about delivering exceptional products that bring people together to enjoy flavorful experiences. Our company places a strong emphasis on a collaborative culture and outstanding service to customers, retailers, and employees alike.

Role Overview

The Director of Manufacturing for Pellets is tasked with ensuring operational excellence across Traeger's pellet production network, which includes both company-owned and contract manufacturing sites domestically and abroad. This role is critical in overseeing all aspects of pellet production, from quality control and cost management to safety, sourcing, regulatory compliance, new product launches, and capital investment planning. Positioned at the headquarters, the Director leads strategic initiatives, develops capacity and capital expenditure plans, and collaborates closely with Finance, Category Management, Sales, Operations, and plant leadership to align goals and performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and optimize a diverse manufacturing network that spans owned and contract partners globally.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, delivery, and cost, ensuring sites meet rigorous standards.
• Guarantee on-time, complete, and quality-compliant product fulfillment as a fundamental operational goal.
• Implement asset reliability and maintenance programs to maximize equipment uptime and meet production goals.
• Promote a continuous improvement environment through Lean principles and Good Manufacturing Practices to enhance operational scalability and efficiency.
• Analyze operational data to uncover inefficiencies and drive significant cost savings and process improvements.
• Maintain comprehensive reporting on manufacturing performance for executive review and accountability.
• Develop and execute long-term operational strategies including growth forecasts, capacity plans, and contingency approaches.
• Manage capital expenditures with a strategic outlook, coordinating with Finance to prioritize investments and assess capacity expansions or outsourcing decisions.
• Control all pellet input sourcing, balancing cost, quality, and supply stability through strategic supplier relationships and contract negotiations.
• Oversee the pellet manufacturing profit and loss, proactively managing costs and improving unit economics.
• Ensure full compliance with environmental and regulatory standards, including air quality permits, FSC and EUDR protocols, and maintain audit-ready GMP systems across all facilities.
• Supervise new product development from inception through commercialization, coordinating cross-functional teams to meet launch objectives.
• Act as a pivotal business partner across departments to harmonize operational and commercial strategies and resolve challenges.
• Mentor and build a high-performing team fostering accountability, growth, and transparent communication.
• Lead and participate in strategic projects that support the company's evolving operational and business goals.

Qualifications and Experience

• A minimum of 10 years in manufacturing operations with at least 5 years in senior leadership managing multi-site or networked production.
• Demonstrated success in cultivating and leading high-performing teams within complex, matrixed organizations.
• Strong financial expertise, experienced in budgeting, cost management, and executive reporting.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments, resolve intricate operational issues, and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Self-motivated with excellent executive presence and strong organizational insight.
• Skilled in ERP platforms, data analytics, Microsoft 365, and comfortable adopting AI tools to support operational decisions.
• Experience in the wood pellet industry is advantageous.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Operations Management, Engineering, or related field is required.

Why Join Traeger?

• Work with a trailblazing leader in outdoor cooking innovation.
• Engage in a supportive team environment committed to shared success.
• Enjoy a culture that embraces innovation, risk-taking, and high-quality standards.
• Extensive food culture and access to excellent company-provided meals.
• Benefit from a scenic, outdoor-oriented workplace environment.
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, and vision coverage tailored to your needs.
• 401(k) plan to support your future financial security.
• Tuition reimbursement and professional development programs to foster career growth.
• Attractive discounts on all Traeger products.