Description
The Role
The Senior Director of Food Manufacturing is responsible for leading all production and processing operations across meat, seafood, deli, and prepared foods. This role drives efficiency, quality, and safety while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and delivering best-in-class fresh food products at scale.
What You'll Do
• Lead and oversee day-to-day manufacturing and processing operations, ensuring alignment with production goals, quality standards, and cost targets.
• Review production schedules, staffing levels, and inventory requirements to optimize operational flow and efficiency.
• Partner with technical and administrative teams to resolve production challenges and improve processes.
• Drive continuous improvement by recommending enhancements to equipment, workflows, and plant operations.
• Establish and monitor KPIs across production, labor utilization, maintenance, and quality control.
• Ensure all products meet FreshDirect's quality standards and customer expectations.
• Maintain compliance with HACCP, SSOP, GMP, and all federal, state, and local food safety regulations (FDA, USDA).
• Oversee sanitation and workplace safety programs across all departments.
• Lead and develop a high-performing operations leadership team, holding managers accountable for results.
• Set performance goals, conduct reviews, and provide coaching and feedback to direct reports.
• Support hiring, workforce planning, and leadership development initiatives.
• Promote strong communication across teams through regular meetings and updates.
What You'll Bring
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations, or a related field.
• 5+ years of progressive experience in food manufacturing or processing.
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing multiple direct reports.
• 3+ years of experience reporting to senior leadership.
• Deep knowledge of HACCP, SSOP, GMP, and food safety standards.
• Understanding of FDA, USDA, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
• Experience in food production environments, including raw and ready-to-eat products.
• Hands-on experience with production equipment (grinders, saws, packaging machinery, etc.).
• Excellence in leadership, communication, and organizational skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience in a union environment is a plus.
What You'll Love About Working Here
• The opportunity to lead large-scale food manufacturing operations at one of the most innovative grocery companies in the industry.
• A collaborative, high-energy environment where leadership and execution make a visible impact.
• Career growth opportunities with a company that values internal advancement and development.
Salary
$185,000-$205,000
Total Rewards & Benefits
• Competitive compensation, equity, and benefits - we take care of our people so they can do their best work.
• Time Off: PTO, Safe & Sick Time, and Paid Holidays.
• Health Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, and Voluntary Disability coverage.
• Financial Benefits: 401(k) with employer match and Life Insurance.
• Location: Our state-of-the-art Bronx campus features an on-site gym, cafeteria, and employee market. We offer free on-site parking and an employee shuttle service from nearby MTA stations.
• People Investment: We provide job training and leadership development programs to support professional growth and partner with local colleges to offer tuition discounts.
• Perks: Enjoy a 20% employee discount on FreshDirect online orders and our wine store. Our on-site employee market offers substantial product markdowns, and we host regular vendor spotlights and engagement events so employees can experience our products firsthand.
Disclaimer
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the Team member(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of individuals in this position. Position expectations may be subject to change as the needs of the organization evolve.
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