Description

Director of Manufacturing

Van Buren, Indiana | Approximately 10% Travel 

Lead the Future of Manufacturing at Weaver Popcorn

For nearly a century, Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing has been growing great popcorn, strong partnerships, and talented people. We are looking for an experienced Director of Manufacturing to help lead the next chapter of that growth. This is not a traditional plant manager position. The Director of Manufacturing will shape the strategy, systems, and leadership capabilities that drive performance across our manufacturing operations. You will work closely with plant leaders and cross-functional partners to strengthen operational consistency, advance Weaver Manufacturing Excellence (WME), and build a manufacturing organization prepared for continued growth. You will have the opportunity to influence how we operate, from leadership development and Lean deployment to automation, capital planning, safety, food safety, and cost improvement.  

What You’ll Make Possible

As Director of Manufacturing, you will:

• Set the long-term direction for manufacturing and turn business goals into a clear, actionable roadmap.
• Advance WME as the operating system that connects people, processes, performance, and continuous improvement.
• Build consistency across manufacturing operations while allowing teams to respond effectively to the needs of the business.
• Develop plant leaders and strengthen succession plans for key operations roles.
• Lead strategies that improve safety, food safety, quality, OEE, throughput, yield, scrap, and manufacturing cost.
• Guide manufacturing capacity, capital, technology, and automation planning.
• Help successful improvements move beyond one area or plant and become standard practice across the organization.
• Bring Supply Chain, Engineering, Maintenance, Quality, Food Safety, and HR together around shared manufacturing priorities.

The Leader We’re Looking For

You understand that lasting manufacturing performance comes from strong systems and capable leaders—not short-term fixes.  You are comfortable setting strategy while staying connected to what is happening on the manufacturing floor. You can evaluate performance, ask the right questions, align teams around priorities, and hold leaders accountable for results. Just as importantly, you lead with a servant mindset and invest in the growth and success of others. You will be a strong fit if you bring:

• Experience leading multi-site or system-level manufacturing operations.
• A track record of building manufacturing strategy and improving organizational capability.
• Strong knowledge of Lean manufacturing, operating systems, and continuous improvement.
• Experience with manufacturing budgets, labor strategy, capital planning, and productivity improvement.
• The ability to lead change and influence across functions.
• A bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Experience in food or consumer packaged goods manufacturing, advanced manufacturing technology, automation, SQF or BRC, and FSMA or PCQI requirements is preferred.  

Come Grow With Us

At Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing, our mission is to grow our People, Popcorn, and Prosperity. We are looking for a leader who will bring that mission to life by being:

• Committed
• Trustworthy
• Purpose Driven
• Positive Mindset
• Growth Oriented

If you are ready to build strong leaders, strengthen manufacturing systems, and help shape the future of an established and growing popcorn manufacturer, we invite you to apply. 

Weaver Popcorn Manufacturing is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to opportunity, inclusion, and creating a workplace where everyone can succeed. Employment and hiring decisions are made based on business need, job requirements, and individual qualifications—without regard to race, color, sex, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or any other protected status under federal, state, or local laws.We believe that a diverse and inclusive environment drives innovation and strengthens our company culture. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.  

Requirements

Qualifications

Minimum

• Must be able to read, write, and understand English to perform job duties effectively and safely.
• Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or a related field or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience leading multi-site or system-level manufacturing.
• Demonstrated ability to set manufacturing strategies, build capability, and develop leaders not just run a plant.
• Deep knowledge of Lean, manufacturing operating systems, and continuous-improvement governance.

Preferred

• Advanced degree; food or CPG manufacturing background.
• Experience owning a multi-site capital and automation roadmap.
• GFSI-scheme (SQF/BRC) and FSMA/PCQI familiarity.