Director of Operations

Role overview

Rhino Foods is seeking a Director of Operations to steer the overall direction, execution, and ongoing advancement of its manufacturing operations. In this role, you will help transform business strategy into measurable outcomes by strengthening safety, quality, delivery, efficiency, and employee engagement. You will work closely with leaders across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Supply Chain, Finance, R&D, and People & Culture to build the systems, capabilities, and routines that support sustainable growth.

This position is also an opportunity to influence the future of the organization by developing strong leaders and high-performing teams. The role requires a balance of strategic leadership and direct operational involvement, while consistently reinforcing the company’s Purpose, Principles, and commitment to doing the right thing.

Why this role matters

You will be part of a family-owned, certified B Corporation that is committed not only to making food people enjoy, but also to supporting employees and contributing positively to the community. The position combines operational excellence with a broader mission centered on food safety, product quality, employee satisfaction, and community impact.

Key responsibilities

• Set and carry out manufacturing strategies that align with company objectives.
• Improve operational performance through key measures such as production attainment, schedule adherence, labor efficiency, product quality, and waste or scrap reduction.
• Maintain consistent use of standardized processes that support safety, food quality, compliance, and efficiency.
• Lead major improvement efforts and capital projects across operations.
• Work with Finance on budgeting, capital planning, and allocation of resources.
• Assess operational investments that strengthen scalability and long-term performance.
• Guide and support the operations leadership team in meeting organizational goals.
• Create a culture of accountability, engagement, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with People & Culture on workforce planning, hiring, succession planning, and retention.
• Encourage leadership growth through coaching, performance management, and development opportunities.
• Convert company strategy into practical operational priorities and measurable outcomes.
• Promote Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methods.
• Use operational data and visual management tools to inform decisions and improve results.
• Work across functions to identify risks and opportunities that affect business performance.
• Embed Rhino Foods’ Purpose, Principles, and B Corp values into daily decisions.
• Ensure adherence to OSHA, GMP, food safety, and internal standards.
• Oversee investigations related to employee safety or product incidents and implement lasting corrective actions.
• Support training programs that help employees succeed over the long term.
• Maintain strong administrative discipline through accurate documentation, timekeeping, and employment records.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a closely related discipline is preferred.
• At least 7 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, production operations, supply chain, or a similar industrial environment.
• Experience managing more than one team or department in a manufacturing setting.
• Demonstrated success improving operational performance and guiding organizational change.
• Ability to balance long-term planning with hands-on operational leadership.
• Strong business and financial judgment, including budgeting and resource allocation.
• Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or comparable continuous improvement approaches.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
• Comfort using data, analytics, and operational metrics to make sound decisions.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to lead through trust, accountability, and collaboration.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience handling complex operational challenges while keeping safety, quality, and employee engagement in focus.

Compensation and employment terms

The estimated salary for this position is $145,000 to $170,000 per year. The company notes that the listed pay is its good-faith estimate and that actual compensation may vary based on skills, experience, industry background, and the role’s changing needs. Fair and equitable pay remains a priority, and compensation can be discussed during the interview process.

Employment is also subject to successful screening on national sex offender registries.

Equal opportunity

Rhino Foods follows Equal Employment Opportunity principles and considers applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected characteristic.

Working conditions and physical demands

This role splits time between office and production environments. Work may take place in a climate-controlled setting with exposure to temperature changes, including hot and cold conditions. The job involves standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, pushing, and pulling, along with contact with frozen food products, water, detergents, sanitizers, and allergens such as peanuts. The environment may include machinery noise and repetitive motions, and the role requires lifting up to 25 lbs.

Office-based duties may include extended periods of sitting at a desk or computer workstation, using a computer, phone, or other office tools, occasional standing or walking to retrieve items or move around the office, and lifting light materials such as files or papers, usually under 10 pounds.

Compliance with OSHA and industry standards requires use of personal protective equipment, including steel-toe production boots, nitrile gloves, face protection, hearing protection, and hair and beard nets. All jewelry and adornments on the hands, wrists, and above the neck must be removable and not worn in production areas.

Reasonable accommodations may be available to help individuals with disabilities perform the essential functions of the role.