Director of Operations

About the Role

As a member of our team, you'll have the opportunity to be part of something truly special – crafting delicious food that brings joy to people’s lives. You’ll play a vital role in upholding stringent food safety standards, ensuring top‑notch product quality, and collaborating with the team to achieve goals. As a family‑owned certified B Corporation, you’ll engage with the community and focus on employee satisfaction and community engagement.

Reporting to the COO, you will lead the strategy, execution, and continuous improvement of Rhino Foods’ manufacturing operations, ensuring excellence in safety, quality, delivery, and employee engagement. Working closely with leaders across Operations, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Safety, Supply Chain, Finance, R&D, and People & Culture, you will turn business strategy into measurable results by driving operational performance, improving efficiency, and building the systems needed to support long‑term growth.

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with company goals.
• Drive operational performance through KPIs including production attainment, schedule adherence, labor efficiency, quality, and waste/scrap reduction.
• Ensure consistent execution of standardized processes that support safety, food quality, compliance, and operational efficiency.
• Lead large‑scale operational improvement initiatives and capital projects.
• Partner with Finance on budgeting, capital planning, and resource allocation.
• Evaluate operational investments that improve scalability and long‑term performance.

• Lead and support the Operations leadership team in achieving organizational objectives.
• Foster a culture built on accountability, engagement, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with People & Culture on workforce planning, recruitment, succession planning, and employee retention.
• Promote leadership development through coaching, performance management, and professional growth opportunities.

• Translate company strategy into measurable operational priorities.
• Champion Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Use operational data and visual management systems to guide decisions and improve results.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally to proactively identify risks and opportunities affecting business performance.
• Champion Rhino’s Purpose, Principles, and B Corp values in every decision.

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, GMP, food safety, and company standards.
• Oversee investigations involving employee safety or product incidents while implementing sustainable corrective actions.
• Support effective training programs that prepare employees for long‑term success.
• Maintain accurate documentation, timekeeping, and employment records.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, production operations, supply chain, or a related industrial environment.
• Experience leading multiple teams or departments within a manufacturing setting.
• A proven record of improving operational performance and leading organizational change.
• Experience balancing strategic planning with hands‑on operational leadership.
• Strong financial and business acumen, including budgeting and resource allocation.
• Experience implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement methodologies.
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, communication, and relationship‑building skills.
• Ability to make sound decisions using data, analytics, and operational metrics.
• High emotional intelligence with the ability to lead through trust, accountability, and collaboration.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Experience navigating complex operational challenges while maintaining focus on safety, quality, and employee engagement.
• Employment is subject to successful screening on national sex offender registries.

Salary Range: $145,000 - $170,000 per year

Rhino Foods is committed to the principles of Equal Employment…