Apply to Director of Operations - Food & Beverage, Dairy
Director of Operations – Food Manufacturing
Philadelphia, PA (Onsite)
$175K – $235K Base + Full Benefits
Why This Role Is Worth a Conversation
This is a high-impact plant leadership role with full operational ownership of a large-scale food manufacturing facility.
You will lead a complex, unionized plant environment, drive performance, and influence long-term operational strategy — not just maintain it. This is an opportunity to step into a visible leadership role with direct access to executive leadership and the ability to shape plant performance, culture, and future growth.
About the Opportunity (Confidential Client)
We are partnering with a well-established, values-driven food manufacturing organization with a strong reputation for quality, sustainability, and operational excellence.
The company operates multiple production facilities and is committed to:
- Continuous improvement and operational efficiency
- Employee engagement and leadership development
- Long-term investment in people, process, and infrastructure
This is a stable, growth-oriented organization with a strong leadership culture and clear strategic direction.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
- Full leadership of plant operations, manufacturing, maintenance, quality, and support functions
- Drive safety, quality, cost, and delivery performance across the facility
- Lead union relations and collective bargaining activities
- Own operational budgets, capital planning, and execution of improvement initiatives
- Partner cross-functionally with finance, sales, and leadership teams
- Champion lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and performance metrics
- Develop and lead high-performing teams across all shifts
- Drive long-term strategy, workforce planning, and succession development
What Makes This Role Different
- True plant ownership — not a support role
- Executive visibility and strategic influence
- Opportunity to lead a large, unionized manufacturing operation
- Strong focus on continuous improvement and modernization
- Ability to impact both day-to-day operations and long-term strategy
What They’re Looking For
- 10+ years of plant leadership experience in food, dairy, or related manufacturing
- Proven experience in union environments and labor relations
- Strong background in lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and cost control
- Experience leading large, multi-functional teams
- Ability to drive performance, engagement, and culture change
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA preferred
Additional Details
- Compensation: $175K – $235K base
- Location: Philadelphia, PA (onsite)
- Travel: Minimal
- Work Authorization: U.S. Citizen or Green Card
Interested or Open to Learning More?
This is a confidential search, and additional details will be shared directly with qualified candidates.
📧 laws@henpencorp.com
📱 Text: 833-243-5737