Director, US Operations

The Director, US Operations Performance is a leadership role, within the Operations Performance and Transformation Organization, responsible for driving operational excellence, process optimization, and performance improvement across all US Operations functions. This leader will oversee the development and execution of strategies that enhance performance, ensure compliance and delivery of key KPIs, and support the organization’s objectives. The role requires a blend of strategic vision, hands‑on execution, and cross‑functional collaboration.

• Strategic Leadership: Define, implement, and revise operational policies and performance frameworks to align with organizational goals and transformation initiatives.
• Routines: Implement key routines into organization to drive clarity, accountability and delivery of key performance metrics.
• Performance Management: Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure progress, identify improvement opportunities, and ensure transparency for decision‑making.
• Process Optimization: Analyze and re‑engineer business processes to improve efficiency, productivity, and resource allocation across supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing.
• Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop a high‑performing team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, accountability, and engagement.
• Cross‑Functional
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Work closely with all Operations functions to proactively address risks, corrective actions and accountability.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, and executive leadership, to drive alignment and achieve business objectives.

The salary range for this position is $146,000 - $200,000 USD. The exact salary offered will depend on several factors, including the candidate’s relevant experience, geographic location, internal equity, and market conditions. Danone North America additionally offers a performance‑based bonus and has a strong benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription Drug Coverage, 401k Plan, Wellness Program, Life Insurance, Tuition Reimbursement, Flexible Time Off, and Paid Parental Bonding Leave, among other benefit plan options.

To give our employees flexibility, Danone is a hybrid work environment.

Education and Experience (Requirements):

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or related field (Advanced degree preferred)
• 15+ years of progressive experience in operations, supply chain, or performance management, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in leading large‑scale transformation and performance improvement initiatives.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience with digital transformation, data analytics, and continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) is highly desirable.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Understands end to end business and operations
• Has well developed communication skills - oral, written, listening.
• Has self‑confidence to lead independently
• Has the capability to lead through influence

Key Leadership Skills required in role

Director US Operations Performance is expected to meet all of the below leadership skills.

• Leadership – Establish vision, exhibit “can do” attitude, treat adversity as opportunity vs setback, manage emotional tenor of external stakeholders, hold other leaders accountable to deadlines/timelines, establish trust, establish importance of results vs effort, promote healthy conflict.
• Communications – Establish/use standard formats for exchanging information; make communication action‑oriented, concise, and timely; keep the cross functional leadership team focused and shut‑down tangents.
• Risk management – Identify, work to mitigate/take advantage of, and respond to key risks; seek to understand probability of risk realization and impact; create contingencies; use past experiences and plan for them.
• Team building – Guide team on how to navigate organization and get work done; ensure team members get support needed from team and…