Director of Operations

The construction of fairlife's manufacturing facility in Webster, NY is underway. This state-of-the-art, 750k sq ft, greenfield plant is expected to be operational in late 2025 and will lay the foundation for fairlife's next phase of growth as the leading dairy nutrition provider. While coupling the industry's latest technologies and fairlife's operational excellence to build this world-class facility, fairlife plans to hire 250 new employees and bring in approximately 5 million lbs. of milk a day, with room to grow over the coming years.

job purpose: The Director of Operations will be responsible for the leadership and management of the packaging and processing departments from raw milk receiving through finished good palletizing. This critical leadership role will be responsible for developing the strategies and systems for the state of the art, greenfield plant currently under construction in Webster, NY. The Director of Operations will be accountable for the associated safety, quality, productivity, and financial targets across plant operations. The role will be responsible for achieving strategic objectives whilst strengthening the fairlife culture of Believe in Better and fostering a culture of measurement driven continuous improvement. The Director of Operations oversees the coordination, administration, and day-to-day management of the operational activities for processing and packaging within the facility. They will develop and implement internal operating protocol, policies, and procedures in accordance with established company policy.

responsibilities:

• Develop and implement strategic initiatives, actionable tactics, and robust management systems to ensure a successful vertical startup while driving continuous improvement in safety, quality, productivity, and cost efficiency within the processing and packaging departments.
• Oversee operations across aseptic and ESL platforms, ensuring compliance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance and mastery of dairy manufacturing practices.
• Design and deploy operational systems, standard work practices, and routines that foster team collaboration and ownership. Clearly communicate strategies and establish well-defined objectives across the operations team.
• Champion a strong safety culture by ensuring strict adherence to health and safety policies, GMP standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize dairy expertise, mechanical knowledge, and technical skills to lead the team in achieving a successful vertical startup of the new plant while maintaining sustained productivity and efficiency gains.
• Build a high-performing team with an ownership mindset by implementing effective training programs, establishing clear work standards, and providing opportunities for professional growth.
• Work closely with stakeholders to align production plans with the plant's processing capabilities, ensuring that planned downtime supports operational efficiency and business goals.
• Develop and manage operational expense and labor budgets, optimizing resources to support organizational needs and efficiency targets.
• Cultivate a culture of problem-solving by equipping teams with tools and methodologies to identify root causes and resolve efficiency losses in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Foster trust, collaboration, and alignment by maintaining open communication and engagement at all levels of the workforce, consistently embodying the Believe in Better culture.

skills/qualifications required:

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related discipline required. Master degree prefer
• A minimum of 7-10 years of management experience that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities outlined.
• Aseptic processing preferred. Dairy, brewing, pharmaceutical or food manufacturing experience considered.
• Proven ability to identify and mitigate quality and safety risks throughout the operation
• A proven track record of implementing TPM or LEAN management systems.
• Skilled in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills and proven track record of developing and coaching people. Proven track record of developing future leaders.
• Ability to manage performance, coach and provide feedback. Ability to use data to develop KPIs and performance goals for team.
• Working knowledge of information technology and information systems such as ERP, MRP, MES, SCADA and business analytics
• Ability to build, lead and inspire a diverse workforce to believe in better and collaborate with a 1-Team mindset
• Knowledge of cost accounting, budgeting, or fiscal management principles and procedures
• Ability to handle ambiguity and work in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment

food safety requirements:

• Notify supervision of any repairs or adjustments that are required that may affect product quality or food safety.
• Understand, observe, and comply with the handling and usage of the color-coded container policy while in the Production Areas.
• Perform all duties necessary to meet Company, Customer and/or Government requirements/standards as prioritized by the Company.
• Ability to initiate action to prevent the occurrence of nonconformities relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the product, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Identify and record any problems relating to Food Safety and the Quality of the ingredients, processes, quality system, or safety system.
• Control further processing or delivery of nonconforming product in terms of Food Safety and Quality issues until the deficiency or unsatisfactory condition has been corrected.
• In the event of absence, another employee with the same skill level will assume the duties and responsibilities as required.

position location: Webster, NY

reports to: Plant Director

travel requirements: up to 50% travel in the first 6 months, 10% travel thereafter

base pay range: $170,000-185,000