Job Description
Director of Processing Operations Location: Grand Rapids, MI area Travel: ~25% (Pennsylvania & Indiana) Compensation: $175,000 – $185,000 base salary Position Summary The Director of Processing Operations is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across multiple egg processing facilities, including shell egg grading and breaker operations. This role oversees performance, quality, food safety, and continuous improvement initiatives across five grading plants and one breaker facility. This leader will drive operational excellence, ensure regulatory compliance, and partner cross-functionally to support the operations commitment to producing safe, high-quality egg products while optimizing efficiency and cost. Key Responsibilities Provide leadership and oversight for 5 shell egg grading plants and 1 breaker facility Drive operational performance , including throughput, yield, downtime, and labor efficiency Ensure food safety and regulatory compliance (USDA, FDA, FSMA, OSHA) Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on productivity, cost reduction, and process optimization Partner with plant managers to develop and execute performance metrics (KPIs) Oversee and support capital projects , equipment upgrades, and facility improvements Ensure consistency in standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all locations Collaborate with QA, maintenance, supply chain, and live production teams Develop and mentor plant leadership teams to drive accountability and engagement Monitor and improve yield, product quality, and customer satisfaction Support budgeting and cost control initiatives Travel regularly to facilities in Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Indiana Qualifications 10+ years of experience in food processing, manufacturing, or egg production Proven leadership experience overseeing multi-site operations Strong understanding of:- Food safety systems (FSMA, HACCP) Production metrics and continuous improvement methodologies Experience in egg processing (grading and/or breaking) strongly preferred Demonstrated ability to lead and develop plant managers and cross-functional teams Strong business acumen with experience in cost control and operational efficiency Excellent communication and leadership skills Ability to operate at both strategic and tactical levels Preferred Experience Experience in protein or perishable food processing environments Familiarity with automated grading or breaking systems Background in Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma Leadership Profile Hands-on, visible leader who drives accountability Data-driven decision maker with strong problem-solving skills Collaborative and team-oriented across multiple functions Comfortable leading change across geographically dispersed operations Why This Role This is a high-impact leadership opportunity to oversee a critical segment of operations within a leading egg production organization. The Director will play a key role in driving performance, ensuring product quality, and supporting continued growth across multiple facilities.