Operations Director

Short Intro and About the Job

As part of the North American 3PM (3rd Party Manufacturing) team, the leader works closely with the Procurement Sourcing Managers and Quality Managers to identify, create and execute strategies and projects with Co-Man Suppliers to deliver significant cost, quality and delivery performance improvements.

About the Job:

The role manages various commercial and quality system assessments of key Contract Manufacturers, with a particular focus on quantification of opportunities for joint improvement activities.

The role works with business units and Co-Man Sites on the execution of agreed CI programs and helps influence business units around resource allocation and project deliverables.

• Lead performance animation with suppliers, driving accountability, KPI delivery, and continuous improvement.
• Own LTCP coordination & lead supplier performance improvement strategy to align capacity with business growth
• Lead a team that owns the technical qualification and capability assessment of co-manufacturers to ensure quality and scalability
• Establish & drive effective internal communications regarding COMAN performance, issues and opportunities
• Ensure robust product availability, proactively managing supply risks and constraints
• Champion COMAN Excellence agenda (BAW, PSL, REFUEL, etc.) to unlock productivity and ESG value
• Create digital connection between COMANs and Danone to provide greater visibility to production, inventory, materials and performance.
• Improve reporting & coordinate global best practices & best-known method (BKM) sharing and collaborating globally as needed/warranted
• Establish internal and external benchmark data while leading a team that drives Zero Defects/Continuous Improvement: Drive key performance improvement efforts with Key Contract Manufacturing suppliers (quality, yield, Lean, service) in all areas
• Working with Procurement, Engineering and Quality teams to identify, develop, and implement plans including: process improvements, quality systems improvements and VA/VE related cost reductions
• Lead a team who must use Statistical Process Controls and continuous improvement techniques at suppliers to help reduce variability and achieve process control
• Interfacing with internal partners to identify quality and processing issues and collaboratively pursue solutions
• As required, working with Research & Innovation & Sourcing Managers to identify and assess new supplier technologies and capabilities to support New Product introductions and /or Cost Improvement projects
• Providing regular feedback to sourcing on supplier performance and improvement plans; to be utilized as foundational elements in category strategies that drive supplier selection and preferred status
• Ensure robust product availability, proactively managing supply risks and constraints

The salary range for this position is $143,000-206,000 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.This role is considered a “hybrid” position that allows for flexible work, meaning it is a role where collaboration with key stakeholders in Danone Hubs occurs. While you may have the option to work from home on a schedule as agreed to with your supervisor, you are also expected to regularly report to your assigned office location at least 3 days per week.

About You

• You will have a BS in Business, a BS in Science/Food Science/Engineering or equivalent is a plus, and a MBA is preferred
• You will have a minimum of seven (7) years’ experience required, preferably in CPG beverage/food supply chain
• You are great communicator both cross functionally as well as senior leadership
• You have experience in commercialization/ launches of new products
• You are experienced in commercialization stage gate processes
• You have experience in leading, managing and developing direct reports
• You have experience working in corporate and factory level Continuous Improvement organization.
• You have experience with manufacturing in an FDA environment; Preferred food and / or liquid processing manufacturing; high speed dairy and aseptic processing a plus

Knowledge ,Skills and Abilities• You are Solution-oriented; always focused on solving problems• You have Strong financial acumen and business understanding• Excellent stakeholder influencing skills and cross functional leadership• Project management fundamentals to easily facilitate cross functional projects• Strong written and verbal communication skills• Ability to build positive relationships with plant leadership teams, corporate continuous improvement team and other functions as necessary• Proven ability to improve results & increase efficiency• You are able to travel and possess a passport- Up to 25% (primarily North America)

About Us, We offer and What's next

Life at DanoneWith approximately 5,000 employees and 13 production locations across the U.S., our vibrant culture and endless growth opportunities are just a couple of the reasons our employees call themselves “Proud Danoners.” Learn more about Life at DanoneOur BrandsWhen you join us, you’ll work with some of the best-known food and beverage brands in the world, including Activia®, DanActive®, Danimals®, Dannon®, evian®, Follow Your Heart®, Happy Family® Organics, International Delight®, Light + Fit®, Nutricia ®, Oikos®, Silk®, So Delicious® Dairy Free, STōK® Cold Brew Coffee ®, Too Good & Co™, and YoCrunch®.Our PurposeWe’re committed to making a positive impact on our world. Rooted in our mission to bring health through food to as many people as possible, we’re proud to be the world’s largest B Corp.Learn more about our mission.Our BenefitsOur commitment to making the world healthier starts with our employees. 

• Physical Wellbeing: We pay for the majority of your medical benefits – which include medical, dental and vision – with our competitive 80%/20% cost-sharing model.
• Mental Wellbeing: Danoners receive fitness discounts, unlimited flexible time off and hybrid work schedules. We also have a range of programs that support mental health and substance abuse.  
• Financial Support: We offer a performance-based bonus, a 401(k) plan, tuition reimbursement, employee discount programs and voluntary perks.
• Family Care: We offer caretaker benefits, 18 weeks of parental bonding, fertility, surrogacy, adoption benefits and pet insurance.

Learn more about our benefits.Equal Opportunity EmployerDanone North America is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer. It is our policy to give equal employment opportunities to all qualified persons without regard to legally protected characteristics, or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state/provincial and/or local law. For our EEO policy statement and your EEO rights under law click here.#LI-NORAMCalifornia Data Privacy Law