Director of Operations

Fort Smith, AR - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 30+ days ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Leadman & Associates is partnering on an exclusive search for a proven Director of Bottling Operations to lead a major beverage production site in Fort Smith Arkansas.

This high-impact role oversees one of the largest facilities within the companys North American network - managing multiple bottling and canning lines while driving safety efficiency and team development. Its an opportunity to lead an established operation thats modernizing and growing with strong leadership visibility and influence across the organization.

If youre a process-driven people-focused leader with experience in high-speed manufacturing or bottling this role offers the chance to make a tangible impact and shape the next chapter of operational excellence.

Why You Should Consider This Opportunity

High-Visibility Role: This site represents a major portion of the companys North American production
Modernization in Motion: Newly installed canning line and packaging line refurbishment underway
Strong Culture of Safety: Top-performing audit scores and engaged workforce committed to improvement
Strategic Leadership Seat: Reports directly to senior operations leadership with influence across multiple locations
Work-Life Balance: MondayFriday schedule with full plant shutdown between Christmas and New Years
Career Growth Potential: Opportunity to mentor future plant leaders and influence long-term operational strategy

In This Role You Will

Lead and develop managers supervisors and professional staff across multiple bottling and canning lines
Drive daily production performance to meet and exceed site KPIs (OEE changeover first-hour efficiency cost per case)
Foster a culture of accountability collaboration and continuous improvement throughout the facility
Oversee compliance with OSHA ISO HACCP GMP TTB DOT and HAZMAT standards
Manage plant budget operational performance and cost-saving initiatives
Partner cross-functionally with Quality Maintenance CI and Supply Chain teams to ensure alignment and readiness for new product launches
Support Lean/World Class Manufacturing systems (TPM Six Sigma TRAK) to sustain long-term efficiency and performance

What You Bring to the Table

Bachelors degree in Engineering Manufacturing or Business (Masters preferred)
57 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience ideally in bottling or beverage production
Proven ability to lead large teams in fast-paced high-volume environments
Experience implementing Lean TPM or CI tools to improve efficiency and reduce cost
Strong financial and analytical skills with proven success managing plant budgets
Collaborative leadership style with strong communication and change management skills
Ability to develop emerging leaders and create a culture of trust accountability and engagement

Why This Role Stands Out

This is a leadership seat that comes with both challenge and opportunity. Youll step into a visible role within a company that values safety innovation and people development - and youll have the autonomy to shape the future of a key North American production site.

If youre energized by operational transformation leading teams through change and seeing measurable results from your work this is the kind of role that defines a career.

Interested candidates can apply below or send an email to:

Required Experience:

Director

Leadman & Associates is partnering on an exclusive search for a proven Director of Bottling Operations to lead a major beverage production site in Fort Smith Arkansas.This high-impact role oversees one of the largest facilities within the companys North American network - managing multiple bottling ...