Director of Operations

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION: Edesia is a nonprofit social enterprise on a mission to end malnutrition globally. Since we opened our doors in 2010, we have reached over 24 million children across 62 countries with the life-saving foods we make here in Rhode Island in partnership with UNICEF, World Food Programme, and USAID. Our dedicated team of over 150 hails from over 26 countries. Every day, we work together to reach children caught in humanitarian crises worldwide and need mission-driven, energetic, passionate problem solvers to join our team. JOB SUMMARY: The Director of Operations oversees the Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams, ensuring efficient, safe, and high-quality manufacturing operations. This role emphasizes leadership development, continuous improvement, equipment reliability, and operational excellence in a LEAN environment, with a focus on process optimization. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: Operational Excellence & Process Optimization: Maintenance & Predictive Maintenance: Oversee maintenance activities, focusing on the shift to predictive maintenance strategies. Collaborate with Engineering to ensure equipment reliability and optimize asset life cycles. Engineering Oversight & Innovation: Direct the Engineering team to support production and maintenance needs, focusing on process optimization, equipment upgrades, and the implementation of cutting-edge technologies. Lead engineering projects that improve efficiency, product quality, and equipment performance. Preventative Maintenance (PM) & Asset Management: Evaluate and enhance preventative maintenance schedules, ensuring >90% compliance. Align maintenance strategies with long-term performance goals and ensure high equipment availability. Downtime & Efficiency Management: Monitor and analyze downtime across production, maintenance, and engineering systems. Implement technical solutions, in collaboration with Engineering, to reduce downtime and improve overall equipment effectiveness (OEE). Process Control & Technical Expertise: Serve as a subject matter expert in Process Control Systems, guiding the implementation and improvement of systems to optimize production processes and improve operational performance. Continuous Improvement & Innovation: Data Analysis & Continuous Improvement: Partner with teams to create data-driven initiatives to identify production, maintenance, and engineering operations inefficiencies. Use insights to drive continuous improvement and optimize operational workflows. Cross-Functional Collaboration & Trials: Work closely with R&D, Quality Assurance, and other departments to support product trials, equipment installations, and improvement initiatives. Champion innovative solutions to meet production goals and enhance operational output. Budget, Compliance & Safety Management: Budget & Cost Management: Manage the budgets for Maintenance, Engineering, and Production, ensuring cost-effective solutions while maintaining high standards for quality and safety. Safety & Compliance: Partner with quality and safety to ensure compliance with all safety regulations, government standards, and company protocols. Lead initiatives to enhance workplace safety and foster a culture of compliance across all teams. Support & Troubleshooting: 24/7 Technical Support & Troubleshooting: Ensure round-the-clock availability of technical support for Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams. Lead efforts to quickly resolve urgent technical issues and minimize disruptions. Team Management: Leadership & Team Development: Lead and mentor the Maintenance, Engineering, and Production teams, fostering growth, accountability, and operational excellence. Develop team leaders, ensuring the alignment of departmental goals with the overall business strategy. Development & Growth Plans: Create and implement individual development plans for team members across Maintenance, Engineering, and Production, supporting their professional growth and expanding technical skills. Interim Management: Step in to manage any of the departments (Maintenance, Engineering, or Production) in the absence of key personnel, ensuring seamless operations and team continuity. Diversity & Inclusion Commitment: Promote a workplace culture that upholds Edesia Nutrition’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities for all employees and fostering an inclusive work environment. Demonstrate commitment to EEO and Affirmative Action Programs and responsibilities. QUALIFICATIONS Required: Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related technical field. 8-10 years of management experience in Engineering Maintenance, Facilities, and Production. Expertise in electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and control systems. Strong communication and problem-solving skills. Proficient in Microsoft Office and collaboration tools. Preferred: Master’s degree in a relevant field. Six Sigma Certification (Green or Black Belt designation) Experience in food production or pharmaceutical manufacturing. Knowledge of automation and GMP requirements. WORKING CONDITIONS Environment:Industrial food manufacturing. Pace:Moderate to fast-paced, dependent on machine uptime. Allergen Exposure:Potential exposure to allergens such as peanuts, milk, and soy. The requirements described are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

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