Director of Operations in Chandler, Arizona at The Doughnut Peddler

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, and continuous improvement of TDP’s manufacturing network, including Bakery Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Continuous Improvement. This role ensures all facilities operate as one integrated organization through standardized systems, disciplined execution, accountability, and scalable processes that support safe, high-quality production, customer service, financial performance, and long-term growth.

The Director of Operations owns the operational execution of company growth initiatives, including new customer launches, new product commercialization, new production lines, capital equipment installations, co-manufacturing partnerships, capacity expansions, and manufacturing transfers. This role aligns Bakery Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Continuous Improvement to execute initiatives safely, efficiently, on schedule, and within budget while serving as a visible servant leader who develops people and drives operational excellence through KPI and CI management.

First-Year Success Measures

Within the first 12 months, the Director of Operations will:

Standardize operational systems across all TDP manufacturing facilities.

Establish a consistent operating cadence, including KPI reviews, operational business reviews, and follow-up discipline across locations.

Improve labor productivity, manufacturing efficiency, and equipment reliability.

Strengthen food safety and quality performance across the organization.

Successfully execute all planned customer launches, product commercialization, capital equipment installations, and co-manufacturing initiatives.

Build a continuous improvement roadmap with measurable annual savings.

Develop succession plans for all direct reports and Bakery General Managers.

Build a culture of operational excellence, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Lead, coach, and develop Bakery General Managers and Corporate Operations leaders.

Establish standardized operating procedures, performance expectations, and best practices across all manufacturing locations.

Drive accountability through KPI management, operational reviews, and routine site visits.

Lead weekly and monthly operational business reviews to assess performance, resolve barriers, and reinforce accountability across the manufacturing network.

Develop annual operating plans and monitor execution against company objectives.

Foster a culture of ownership, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Ensure consistent execution of company standards across every facility.

Serve as the operational leader for all company growth initiatives by coordinating execution across Bakery Operations, Maintenance, Quality, and Continuous Improvement.

Partner closely with Sales, R&D, Procurement, Supply Chain, Engineering, Finance, and Executive Leadership to ensure every project is operationally ready before launch.

Establish standardized project management processes, milestone reviews, risk assessments, and post-launch evaluations to ensure flawless execution and successful transition into routine operations.

Lead initiatives that improve productivity, efficiency, reliability, and profitability across the TDP manufacturing network.

Champion Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Collaborate with the Corporate Safety Manager to establish and sustain a safety-first culture through leadership, employee engagement, and operational accountability.

Provide operational leadership to achieve company financial objectives.

Partner with Finance to identify sustainable cost savings while maintaining service and product quality.

Partner with Distribution, Sales, and Customer Service to ensure manufacturing consistently supports customer expectations.

Provide leadership, coaching, and accountability for all manufacturing facilities to strengthen operational excellence, employee development, customer service, and financial performance.

Lead the company's maintenance strategy to maximize equipment reliability and manufacturing performance.

Ensuring food safety and product quality remain uncompromising priorities throughout the organization.

Set the company’s Continuous Improvement strategy, including annual priorities, governance, and expected savings targets.

Drive measurable operational improvements throughout the TDP manufacturing network.

Partner with COO and Maintenance to successfully execute capital investments.

Develop high-performing operational leaders throughout the organization.

Partner closely with cross-functional leaders to align operational execution with company strategy and ensure successful commercialization of new products and customers.

Required Qualifications

10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.

5+ years leading multi-site manufacturing operations.

Commercial bakery or food manufacturing experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated P&L responsibility.

Experience leading Maintenance, Quality, and Continuous Improvement organizations.

Proven success implementing Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence initiatives.

Experience leading new customer launches, capital projects, manufacturing startups, and commercialization initiatives.

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field required.

MBA or advanced degree preferred.

Leadership Competencies

Servant Leadership

Strategic Thinking

Operational Excellence

Financial Acumen

Coaching & Talent Development

Change Leadership

Accountability

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Continuous Improvement

Customer Focus

Results Orientation

Integrity