Director of Operations

Universal Corporation

. Lead Shank’s manufacturing and operational activities .

Posted 10/15/2026full-timeLancaster • Pennsylvania • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong leadership in food manufacturing management, focusing on operational efficiency, safety compliance, and team development. Proven ability to analyze processes, implement improvements, and collaborate across departments to achieve strategic goals.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Food Manufacturing ManagementOperational EfficiencyLeadership DevelopmentBudget ManagementRegulatory Compliance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Process AnalysisOperational Metrics TrackingProduction PlanningPreventive MaintenanceContinuous Improvement

Soft Skills

Strong Leadership SkillsGood Verbal and Written Communication SkillsInterpersonal SkillsDecision-MakingTeam Building

Tools & Technologies

Microsoft Office

Industry Keywords

Food SafetyQuality AssuranceEmployee RelationsSafety ProgramsBudget Accountability

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead Shank’s manufacturing and operational activities
Deliver safe, high-quality products while improving service, productivity, cost, inventory performance, and organizational capability
Lead leadership development and sustain employee and food safety cultures
Analyze processes and collaborate across departments to maximize efficiency and productivity
Set strategic operational efficiency goals for Quality, Food Safety, and productivity
Partner with Department Managers on financial and budgetary plans
Analyze operational performance and recommend improvements
Collaborate with Engineering on capital expenditure plans and projects
Lead an inclusive, trusting, and productive team environment aligned with company values
Partner with Supply Chain, Quality, Commercial, Finance, and Business Systems
Develop, implement, and monitor day-to-day operational systems and processes
Track operational metrics, goals, progress, and obstacles
Make operational and strategic decisions with department heads, external partners, and vendors
Develop company-wide growth strategies and process improvements
Ensure compliance with company policies, laws, and regulations
Execute safety programs with the Safety Manager and Safety Committee
Identify and remove production constraints
Promote continuous improvement
Ensure effective production planning and execution
Maintain product quality and specification conformance with Quality Assurance
Ensure preventive maintenance, continuous improvement, and equipment reliability
Support department heads with performance management and conduct performance reviews
Maintain facilities to audit-ready standards
Collaborate with HR on personnel, training, investigations, performance management, and employee relations
Build trust, integrity, teamwork, and mutual respect
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong leadership skills
Good verbal and written communication skills
Ability to communicate with all departments
Strong interpersonal skills with diverse internal and external stakeholders
Experience creating a cohesive team
Decision-making, goal-oriented, self-motivated, proactive, and multidimensional problem-solving abilities
Strong working knowledge of industry regulations and legal guidelines
Ability to work irregular or extended hours as needed across all shifts
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Bachelor’s degree in business or related field
Ten or more years of progressively responsible and relevant work experience
Food manufacturing management background required
Experience hiring, training, supervising, and terminating employees
Experience developing strong production teams and supporting employee retention
Experience working within a budget and being accountable for company equipment, facilities, and other material assets
Must be authorized to work in the United States
Ability to meet physical requirements including standing, walking, climbing stairs, handling paperwork, operating machinery, and normal vision and hearing
Ability to work around food allergens, dust, odors, and noise

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, Dental, Vision
FSA
HSA
EAP
Identity theft protection
401(k)
PTO
Balanced work-life environment
Employee recognition and celebration