Sr. Director of Plant Manufacturing

Seaboard Overseas and Trading Group, a division of the Fortune 500 Seaboard Corporation, is a global leader in agricultural commodity trading, processing, and logistics. Guided by our purpose of connecting the world through sustainable nutrition, we are committed to creating value globally through our integrated value chain. Our diverse portfolio includes wheat, corn, soybeans, vegetable oils, by-products, rice, flour, animal feed, ocean transportation, and more.

GENERAL PURPOSE

The role will be responsible for supporting the corporate function of manufacturing processes for Seaboard Overseas and Trading Group's international food business with operations in 20+ countries. A successful candidate will be a visionary and dynamic leader who can drive initiatives toward manufacturing excellence. This individual will optimize our production processes, implement efficiency enhancements, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. With a keen focus on quality, safety, and regulatory compliance, they will lead cross-functional teams to achieve operational excellence and drive sustainable growth for our organization. The role will be responsible for ensuring optimized production of goods, while maintaining high standards of production, quality, safety, food safety, regulatory standards, and compliance with the Operational Excellence Model.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies that align with the company's overall goals in accordance with the established Long-Range Plan.
• Ensure operations are compliant with the objectives and goals of the business and department, following up on KPI's and action plans implemented by the Regional Operations Directors.
• Develop and implement control and monitoring systems for manufacturing plans to optimize the installed manufacturing capacities of the operations while ensuring that productivity and profitability targets are consistently met or exceeded.
• Prepare, develop, and manage operational improvement plans that include development of staff, efficiency, and compliance with standards and goals.
• Manage and develop a high-performing manufacturing team to include hiring, training, mentoring, and performance management.
• Implement and enforce quality control measures to ensure that manufactured products meet or exceed customer expectations and industry standards.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams such as engineering, procurement, and logistics to ensure seamless coordination and communication throughout the manufacturing process.
• Actively participate in the analysis, preparation, and monitoring of CAPEX and OPEX that guarantee improvements in the drivers of the manufacturing process.
• Collaborate with other departments such as sales, marketing, and finance to align manufacturing activities with sales forecasts, demand planning, and budgetary constraints.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulations, industry standards, and quality management systems such as ISO, food safety, Global Gap Kaizen, or Lean certifications.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices in manufacturing; actively seeking opportunities to leverage new technologies or methodologies to improve manufacturing processes.
• Ensure adequate physical systems and controls are in place for raw material/ingredient storage, handling, shrink minimization, blending, and the addition of liquids, fats, or flavors.
• Provide support for development of new products and expansion of existing product lines.
• Lead teams focused on and aligned to the Operational Excellence management model.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor of Engineering, Milling Sciences, or related degree preferred.
• Proven management experience in a senior level plant manufacturing role, with a minimum of 10 years' experience in the milling, baking, or food industry.
• Strong track record of successfully managing large-scale manufacturing operations, preferably within a complex and highly regulated industry.
• Experience in implementing lean manufacturing principles and driving continuous improvement initiatives.
• Excellent knowledge of manufacturing processes, technologies and best practices developed and validated with effective implementations in the field.
• Demonstrated experience in managing and developing a high-performing manufacturing team.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Must be able to travel internationally, approximately 20 - 25% of the time across developing countries.
• Fluency in English required, Spanish or French is a plus.
• Professional certifications, such as Certified Manufacturing Professional (CMP) or Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), are a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to implement technical solutions and best practices at facilities throughout the company.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong leadership and management abilities, with the ability to motivate and inspire a diverse team.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze complex issues and implement effective solutions.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders at all levels.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing manufacturing strategies that drive operational excellence and achieve business objectives.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing principles, processes, and technologies, including lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Proficient in using manufacturing software systems and tools, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and data analytics platforms.
• Strong understanding of quality management systems and best practices, such as ISO 22000 and Others (FSSC, Global Gap, Lean manufacturing, etc.)
• Demonstrated project management skills, with the ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Knowledge of safety & environmental regulations and practices within the manufacturing industry.
• Ability to adapt to fast-paced and changing environments, and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines.
• Thorough understanding of policies, procedures and best practices used in food manufacturing.
• Ability to establish long-term goals and communicate them to others.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT/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 regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, sit and use hands to manipulate, handle or touch. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 10 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and the ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Global Perspective
• Strategic Mindset
• Drives Vision and Purpose
• Cultivates Innovation
• Manages Ambiguity
• Decision Quality
• Instills Trust
• Optimizes Work Processes
• Business Insight
• Collaborates
• Communicates Effectively