Role Overview for Director of Plant Operations with a CPG Manufacturer – Cincinnati, OH
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained by a premier, globally recognized Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturer to identify a dynamic and results-driven Director of Plant Operations. This is a pivotal leadership role based at their flagship manufacturing facility in Cincinnati, OH. The successful candidate will be a strategic visionary with a deep-rooted passion for operational excellence, safety, and team development. As the senior leader on-site, you will have full P&L responsibility and autonomy to drive performance, innovation, and continuous improvement across all plant functions.
This position is not just about maintaining the status quo; it’s about transformation. You will be challenged to elevate plant performance to world-class levels, implementing cutting-edge manufacturing strategies and fostering a culture of accountability and engagement. You will lead a large, diverse team, overseeing production, maintenance, engineering, quality assurance, supply chain, and EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety). This is a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on a market-leading company’s success, shaping the future of its manufacturing capabilities and contributing directly to its strategic growth objectives. If you are an inspirational leader with a proven track record of delivering exceptional results in a fast-paced CPG environment, we invite you to explore this career-defining opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Director of Plant Operations with a CPG Manufacturer – Cincinnati, OH
The Director of Plant Operations will be responsible for the overall leadership, direction, and management of the Cincinnati facility, ensuring the safe and efficient production of high-quality goods in a cost-effective manner. Key responsibilities are comprehensive and include:
Strategic Leadership & Plant Management
Develop and execute the plant’s strategic vision in alignment with corporate objectives. Establish clear goals, KPIs, and performance metrics for all departments. Lead the plant leadership team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. Prepare and manage the plant’s annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring financial targets are met or exceeded.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion a culture of continuous improvement by deploying best-in-class methodologies. Drive initiatives based on Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), and other operational excellence tools. Analyze production data to identify bottlenecks, reduce waste, and optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE). Oversee production planning and scheduling to ensure on-time delivery while managing inventory levels effectively.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
Uphold the highest standards of product quality and food safety. Ensure the facility operates in strict compliance with all relevant regulations, including FDA, GMP, and local/state requirements. Lead the plant’s quality assurance programs, driving a ‘quality-first’ mindset. Oversee internal and external audits, implementing robust corrective and preventive action plans (CAPAs) to address any findings.
Health, Safety, & Environmental (HSE) Stewardship
Foster a world-class safety culture with a zero-incident goal. Ensure the plant is fully compliant with all OSHA and environmental regulations. Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive safety programs, training, and procedures. Champion sustainability initiatives aimed at reducing the plant’s environmental footprint, including waste reduction, energy conservation, and water usage.
Team Development & Employee Engagement
Lead, mentor, and develop a large team of managers, supervisors, and frontline employees. Build a robust talent pipeline through effective recruitment, training, and succession planning. Foster a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes employee engagement, open communication, and empowerment. Manage employee relations, performance management processes, and organizational development initiatives.
Financial Acumen & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the plant. Drive profitability through cost control, productivity improvements, and waste elimination. Analyze financial statements, production reports, and other key data to make informed business decisions. Develop and present compelling business cases for capital investments in new equipment, technology, and facility upgrades to enhance efficiency and capacity.
Requirements for the Director of Plant Operations with a CPG Manufacturer – Cincinnati, OH
We are seeking a seasoned and accomplished manufacturing leader who meets the following qualifications:
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical), Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 12-15 years of progressive leadership experience within a high-speed manufacturing environment is essential. Specific experience in the CPG, food and beverage, or a related consumer products industry is strongly required. At least 5-7 years of experience in a senior plant leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Director of Operations) with full P&L responsibility for a large-scale facility.
Proven Track Record
Demonstrated success in driving significant improvements in key operational metrics, including safety (TRIR), quality (customer complaints, right-first-time), OEE, cost per unit, and employee engagement. Verifiable experience leading successful continuous improvement transformations using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership and people management skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a diverse workforce. A true servant leader who can build strong relationships at all levels of the organization. Proven ability to manage change and lead teams through complex operational challenges.
Technical & Analytical Skills
Deep understanding of modern manufacturing processes, supply chain management, quality systems, and maintenance reliability programs. Strong financial acumen and experience managing multi-million dollar budgets. Highly proficient with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and Microsoft Office Suite. Data-driven decision-maker with excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
Certifications
Professional certifications such as Six Sigma Black Belt, Lean Expert, or Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) are highly desirable.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
- An attractive base salary and a significant performance-based annual bonus.
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Substantial Paid Time Off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays.
- A comprehensive relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and career advancement within a global organization.
- Employee wellness programs and product discounts.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is leading the exclusive search for this critical Director of Plant Operations role. We are looking for a transformative leader who is ready to take on a challenging and rewarding position with a clear path for growth. If your experience and career aspirations align with this opportunity, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. You can apply directly by visiting our Consumer Goods & Manufacturing Practice Area page. We look forward to reviewing your application. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
