Director of Operations - The Republic of Tea

POSITION SUMMARY:

Leads the operations for the Nashville, IL facility to execute blending and packaging of teas/herbs. Oversees the 24/7 Customer Service TEAm to optimize the Citizen's experience. Leads and role models the values and culture of The Republic of Tea to include integrity, collaboration, communication, social responsibility, innovation, education, and well-being.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Coordinates the efforts of the Nashville TEAm to efficiently manufacture teas and herbs to the Company's cost and quality standards.
• Instills a Quality mind set and "culture" for a premium brand. Understands lean manufacturing to ensure quality is built in versus inspected out.
• Reduce customer complaints and quality-related issues.
• Lead change efforts to support a culture of collaboration, teamwork, transparency, and internal and external customer focus.
• Collaborate with technical resources (Engineering and R&D) to support new innovations and speed to market for new products.
• Improve efficiency and drive results through best-in-class metrics-based leadership and goal setting.
• Improve effectiveness of hiring and retention strategies for hourly employees through robust training programs and collaborative leadership.
• Provide technical leadership to resolve the packaging of problematic teas.
• Provide coaching and development for team members to ready the network for succession.
• Ensure OSHA Compliance and safe work practices are adhered to in the manufacturing processes.
• Optimize Lean manufacturing and Statistical Process Controls for effective cost and quality management.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Can effectively lead a team to collaborate and work together to achieve the Company's strategic plan.
• Ability to establish KPI goals that align with the strategic plan and create a plan to achieve those goals.
• Microsoft Office adept, especially in Access or Excel, with advanced data analysis skills a plus
• Ability to coach and develop key leaders, especially in leadership skills
• Strong trouble shooting and critical thinking skills.
• Results driven, hands on leadership style.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION:

• 10+ years in food and beverage manufacturing with progressive experience
• HACCP trained, SQF trained, familiar with certification protocols such as Organic and Gluten-Free
• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering or Business related discipline.
• Project management and effective Communication skills
• Organized, flexible, and resourceful (small company, many hats)
• Curiosity to learn and love premium teas and herbs
• Lean Manufacturing or Six Sigma certified preferred