Director of Operations - Donuts

About Carolina Foods

Carolina Foods is a commercial bakery known for sweet baked goods and for being behind one of the first honey buns in the United States as well as the Duchess brand. Established in 1934 as a sandwich business, the company later expanded after World War II and introduced honey buns as a complementary product. It is now the third-largest honey bun manufacturer in the country.

Over time, the product range has broadened to include doughnuts, cinnamon rolls, pastries, and pies. The business is expanding by positioning itself as a premium, service-focused manufacturing partner for branded and private-label products in the sweet baked goods market, supported by investment in a modern, state-of-the-art bakery.

At its core, the company stands for culinary innovation, top-tier quality, outstanding taste, strong service for key customers, and high-volume production for branded, private label, and co-manufacturing partners with customized formulations.

Role Overview

The Director of Operations - Donuts will be responsible for driving strong performance across all Carolina Foods donut lines across two shifts and a workforce of about 160 employees. This leader will work closely with Sanitation, Maintenance, Engineering, and Continuous Improvement teams to ensure equipment is cleaned and maintained properly and that the required technologies are supported by skilled technicians.

The position also plays a key role in strengthening safety, food safety, quality, and innovation, with a strong focus on operating efficiency, labor performance, yield, and schedule adherence.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the site so that safety is treated as a non-negotiable condition for both people and food, with compliance to health and safety rules, SOPs, company training, and internal policies across every shift.

Own the weekly production schedule execution and compliance, working ahead with Planning and Supply Chain to make sure materials and labor are in place to fulfill customer orders.

Review daily operating results, identify improvement opportunities, and put corrective actions in place using a hands-on leadership approach.

Partner with Maintenance, Engineering, CI, Quality, and Sanitation to resolve performance gaps and improve targeted line efficiency, labor productivity, yield, and shared KPIs.

Oversee the use of RedZone by leading huddles, driving action-item completion, monitoring real-time line performance, and coordinating with Maintenance and Maintenance Planning through RedZone CMMS.

Help shape and deliver the company’s strategic and business plans to support growth.

Build strong cross-functional relationships so the right information reaches the right teams in a usable form.

Recruit, develop, coach, and lead team members while continually raising performance standards and encouraging a collaborative, open environment.

Qualifications and Experience

At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience, with a strong track record as a manufacturing operations executive leading high-performing teams, 24/7 operations, KPI delivery, and TPM execution.

Background as a senior production or operations leader in food and beverage manufacturing, preferably in bakery, or in an F&B equipment, pharmaceutical, or other high-speed, high-volume, highly automated manufacturing setting.

Strong business judgment and demonstrated success improving safety, quality, OEE, and yield.

Proven ability to build and lead high-performing operations teams in manufacturing and to grow the next layer of leadership.

Ability to lead both from the front and from behind while supporting Carolina Foods’ vision, strategy, and methods.

Willingness to be hands-on, work in the details, and bring an entrepreneurial mindset.

Deep knowledge of bakery systems and highly automated packaging systems is preferred.

Strong relationship-building and participative leadership style.

High emotional intelligence, with the ability to deliver results with discipline while respecting the company’s history and relationships.

Ability to collaborate effectively with the COO, team directors, and the wider organization to strengthen operating discipline and culture.

Experience managing a diverse workforce and solving problems through programs and processes that improve KPIs.

Ideal Personal Profile

The ideal candidate is practical, detail-oriented, and comfortable engaging directly in the business.

They communicate clearly and logically, bring positive energy, and show urgency when leading change.

This person should make fact-based decisions, promote ownership and accountability, and handle multiple priorities under pressure while meeting tight deadlines.

Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, along with a disciplined approach to update meetings.

The role also calls for personal and professional integrity, strong negotiation and conflict-management skills, and the ability to work effectively both internally and externally.

Leadership Capabilities

• Deliver results by executing consistently, improving core operations continuously, and shifting resources when required.
• Put safety first for people, products, and workplace culture.
• Define operational strategy and turn it into effective implementation.
• Develop talent and teams by motivating people, building productive groups, and strengthening organizational capability.

Compensation and Additional Information

A competitive salary and bonus package will be offered based on relevant experience.

Carolina Foods is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status, and the company will not discriminate on the basis of disability.

Location: Charlotte, NC.

This is a full-time, onsite position.

The role oversees approximately 160 employees across two shifts.

No opening count, application deadline, start date, or duration was specified.

No separate eligibility restrictions were provided beyond the experience and leadership profile listed above.

No direct stipend or fixed salary amount was disclosed; compensation is described as competitive and bonus-eligible.