Director, Operations

Description

Who We Are

Headquartered in Vineland, NJ, F&S Fresh Foods is leading the way in fresh-cut fruit, vegetables, and meal solutions distribution. With the recent acquisition of five additional state-of-the-art facilities strategically located across the U.S., we now deliver to customers across the United States and Canada — every single day!

For over 40 years, we’ve been redefining production and safety processes, building strong partnerships, and creating endless possibilities for our diverse customers — from restaurants and supermarket prepared food operations to convenience store chains and beyond. At F&S, we are fueling families with nutrition, innovation, and convenience, turning meals into memorable moments. By combining cutting-edge technology, deep-rooted customer relationships, and operational excellence, we are shaping the future of fresh — from farm to family.

We’re not just about food; we’re about people. Recognized as a Great Place to Work for three consecutive years, our team of 2,100 full-time employees drives our culture forward by living our values every day. If you’re ready to be part of a company that values innovation, excellence, and community impact, join us as we embrace our next exciting chapter of growth. Together, we’re planting the seeds of progress and nourishing a fresh, healthy future for everyone!

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation package

• Comprehensive benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision and Life Insurance

• 401(K) including company match!

• Paid Time Off annually + Paid Holidays

• Career Advancement opportunities and Tuition Assistance

What’s the Role

The Director of Operations leads our Clackamas, Oregon fresh-food manufacturing site, with full ownership of production, food safety, quality, people, and the site P&L. You’ll set the direction for a team of Managers and Supervisors, turning KPIs and process control data into consistent daily results while keeping every product safe, on-spec, and on time. This role is central to how F&S delivers fresh, high-quality food to our customers every day and to how our West Coast operations grow alongside the company. The ideal candidate is a hands-on, data-driven leader who coaches to root cause, thrives in a fast-paced chilled environment, and builds a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Own

• Lead all site operations and own the site P&L, including strategic and operational planning to meet budget and stakeholder targets

• Direct and develop a team of Managers and Supervisors, setting clear expectations rooted in F&S’s mission and core values

• Drive KPI performance through data analysis, root-cause coaching, and corrective action, and report site results on output, waste, staffing, energy, and open work orders

• Champion process control programs, including start-up and process control reporting, line balancing, changeovers, and waste reduction

• Ensure full compliance with food safety, USDA, QA, HACCP, and OSHA requirements under local, state, and federal regulations

• Oversee preventive maintenance, sanitation, and equipment and chemical programs, along with site contractors and agency labor

• Plan production and staffing to demand, partnering with the Operations Manager on efficiency, labor hours, and safety

• Build an engaged, safety-first culture through daily huddles, recognition, and constructive feedback

Requirements

What You Bring

• Must have: Degree or certificate in Business, Food Safety, Culinary Arts, Procurement, or a related field

• Must have: 5+ years of experience in a production supervisor or management role, preferably in chilled food manufacturing within a fast-paced business

• Must have: 1+ year of experience applying HACCP and enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) in a food environment

• Must have: Proven success in a continuous improvement environment, with strong KPI analysis skills and a track record of leading teams through change

• Must have: Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, and the ability to apply common math formulas across all units of measure

• Must have: Excellent verbal and written communication, organizational, and leadership skills, with a history of motivating teams in routine, high-volume work

• Nice to have: HACCP, OSHA, First Aid/CPR, or Food Hygiene certification, plus knowledge of produce seasonality and large-scale food business start-ups

• Nice to have: Bilingual English/Spanish speaking skills

Physical Demands:  This role primarily works in a chilled factory or warehouse environment with prolonged standing and walking. The position regularly requires standing, walking, reaching, grabbing, carrying items, talking, and hearing, with frequent use of hands to finger, handle, lift, or feel. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment:  Cold, damp working environment (approximately 37°F) while at manufacturing facilities, with physical hazards from working in and around moving machinery.