Director of Operations Harvest (Wright City, MO)

Job Summary

As the Director of Operations - Harvest, you will partner with leadership to understand and execute the harvest strategies as the plant ramps up.  The ideal candidate is someone who wants to get in at the very start to plan and build the function for when the facility is fully operational.   

• Oversee daily operations of the harvest Department (under the supervision of VP Operations).
• Manage all harvest processes (facility livestock handling, harvest, cooler, rendering, and hides); ensuring efficient, effective, and accurate operations according to customer specifications.
• Coordinate and oversee daily activities of supervisors in the harvest departments to ensure efficient production of wholesome quality products. 
• Monitor and control downtime; provide solutions to reduce downtime.
• Maintain high production and quality while ensuring the safest working environment possible.
• Actively monitor food security and defense surveillance inside the facility and its operation.
• Ensure all company, safety, and food safety policies and procedures are enforced and followed (e.g. SQF, GMPs, SOPs, HACCP, OSHA).
• Monitor the cleanliness of the work areas.
• Complete reports and other paperwork (e.g. discipline, progress evaluations, terminations).
• Ensure every position is filled before starting up; ensure job rotation is followed in order to facilitate ergonomics.
• Ensure all machinery is performing to the highest standard possible.
• Maintain a helpful and professional attitude and appearance.
• Promote and drive succession development throughout areas of responsibility.
• NOTE: this description is not intended to be all-inclusive. An employee may perform other related duties to meet the ongoing needs of the organization; these duties are considered marginal.

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

• Must be able to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Must be able to effectively communicate in English (speaking, reading, and writing).
• Bachelor’s degree or 5 years of prior supervisory experience in harvest operations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prior supervisory experience in cooler, rendering, and hides (damage, patterns, hide cures, break accuracy, load out, and inventory management).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of the entire harvest process including barn operations and humane handling.
• Ability to communicate well (verbal and written) with all levels of employees from hourly to upper management, as well as government officials. 
• Knowledge of SQF, GMP, SOP, HACCP, and OSHA regulations.
• Ability to manage a group of personnel who perform various production tasks or activities.
• Ability to understand and control the harvest process.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to identify and address safety hazards; promote safety on a daily basis.
• Ability to lead by example, encourage teamwork and learning, and motivate the hourly workforce.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Good computer skills (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Must have a high math aptitude; be assertive; and be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to perform consistent, accurate work with minimal direction and work successfully as part of a team.

Work Environment

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as laptop computers, desk phones, and smartphones. The position will also be required to regularly visit production facility work environments.

Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk or sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move objects. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and color vision.

American Foods Group, LLC is an Equal Employment Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status. Learn more: EEO is the Law and EEO is the Law Supplement. Applicants with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process can contact Human Resources at the location(s) where you are applying. American Foods Group, LLC will not discriminate against applicants who inquire about, disclose or discuss their compensation or that of other applicants. Learn more: Pay Transparency. American Foods Group, LLC participates in the E-Verify program in certain locations as required by law. Learn more: E-Verify

America's Heartland Packing is set to open its doors in early 2025. The 775,000 sq. ft. greenfield project will include a harvest floor, carcass chillers, fabrication area, rendering, further processing area, storage coolers, freezers, and loading docks.

What we offer:

• Competitive total compensation package for you and your family.
• Excellent benefit plan.  Benefits include: Health, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flex Spending Accounts, Voluntary Benefits, PTO, 401k, Long & Short Term Disability, Tuition Reimbursement, Discount Meat Purchase Program, and more!