Processing Area Leader

Career Opportunities:
Processing Area Leader (173062)

Requisition  – Posted – Supply Chain/Manufacturing – United States – Kentucky – Bowling Green – Hill's Pet Nutrition – Travel - up to 10% of time – On-site

Relocation Assistance Offered Within Country

As the Processing Area Leader reporting to the Sr. Manager of Plant Operations, you will lead the strategic execution of all processing production and maintenance activities at the Bowling Green facility. You will be the primary owner of continuous improvement initiatives and system reliability, managing a team of Operations Focus Resources and Operations Coordinators to optimize plant quality and productivity. This is a critical leadership role designed to drive operational excellence through the implementation of FP&R standards and digital transformation across Raw, Batching, and Processing systems.

• Direct the operational strategy for the Processing department, ensuring all activities across Raw, Batching, and Receiving align with safety, quality, and Factory Performance & Reliability (FP&R) standards
• Lead and develop a high-performing technical team, providing coaching and mentorship to Focus Resources and Maintenance teams to enhance technical skills and site efficiencies
• Own the implementation of Autonomous Maintenance (AM) and Preventive Maintenance (PM) programs, leveraging SAP data to maximize asset utilization and reduce unplanned downtime
• Drive data-driven continuous improvement by facilitating cross-functional reviews and ROI evaluations to optimize throughput, yield, and total delivered cost
• Collaborate as a key stakeholder with Plant Leadership and Quality Assurance to identify defects, establish corrective actions, and ensure 100% adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and Food Safety standards
• Manage capital expenditure budgets and project timelines to deliver automation improvements and margin expansion within the processing area

• BA/BS degree in a related field such as Engineering, Operations Management, Logistics, Supply Chain Management, or Business
• 5+ years work experience in manufacturing, production, or operations
• 3+ years of supervisory experience or management role leading technical/operational teams
• Ability to work irregular shifts and perform physical tasks including climbing 3+ flights of stairs and lifting up to 50 lbs
• Demonstrated proficiency in utilizing SAP for maintenance scheduling or production planning

• Food-related production experience
• Technical proficiency including ROI, Continuous Improvement Tools, training others, conflict resolution, presentation skills, understanding of financial measures, SAP, Wonderware, AIB, FDA, USDA and other regulatory agency design requirements
• Proficient in Statistical Process Control, CPk and Continuous Improvement Methodologies

Must be able to work in a manufacturing environment, including bending, climbing, crawling, kneeling, working from heights relevant to the facility, working in confined spaces and hazardous conditions, and lifting up to 50 lbs. Ability to work in the raw minor ingredient area, plant floor, and warehouse during reconciliation, inventory, and project activities. Ability to work in an office environment. Ability to wear all required PPE and fall protection equipment.

Ability to work from heights and to routinely climb 3+ flights of stairs. Ability to work irregular shifts and on all shifts as needed.

Salary Range $96,800.00 - $ USD. Pay is determined based on experience, qualifications, and location. Salaried employees may also be eligible for discretionary bonuses, profit‑sharing, and long‑term incentives for Executive‑level roles.

Benefits:
Salaried employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, basic life insurance, paid parental leave, disability coverage, and participation in the 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions subject to eligibility requirements. Additional benefits include a minimum of 15 vacation/PTO days (hourly employees receive a minimum of 120 hours)…