Director Manufacturing & Supply Chain Full Time NEW

Griffith Foods is the caring, creative product development partner helping food companies meet the evolving needs of consumers while sustaining the planet. As a family business founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA, Griffith Foods is known for true, collaborative innovation guided by their Purpose of “We Blend Care and Creativity to Nourish the World”. The company’s product capabilities range from seasonings and marinades to coating systems and sauces that are better for people and better for the planet. For more information, visit www.griffithfoods.com.

TITLE: Director of Manufacturing & Supply Chain

LOCATION: Hybrid in Lombard, IL

COMP RANGE: $170,000 – $235,000 plus bonus

Custom Culinary®, a subsidiary of Griffith Foods, is hiring a Director of Manufacturing & Supply Chain to drive excellence in manufacturing processes, supply chain efficiency, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality products to meet customer needs. This role will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing our manufacturing and supply chain strategy, embracing innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement to achieve operational excellence.

This leader will champion innovation, sustainability, and continuous improvement while building scalable systems that support long‑term growth and deliver exceptional customer value, empowering teams to collaborate, innovate, and drive a forward‑looking strategy aligned with our Aspirations. (https://griffithfoods.com/2030-aspirations/).

This role provides the opportunity to lead the supply chain function for a purpose-driven, on-trend, and growing business. You’ll oversee multiple plants and co-manufacturing partners while serving on both the Custom Culinary® US business Unit Leadership Team, as well as the Supply Chain Leadership Team for Griffith Foods.

As Director of Manufacturing & Supply Chain, your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and implementing strategies to elevate & optimize manufacturing operations and supply chain performance across Custom Culinary®, US to achieve ongoing safety, quality, cost, and customer service targets while ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic objectives.
• Overseeing the entire supply chain & manufacturing team of 135 people across 2 plants and multiple co-manufacturers, functional ownership of the full S&OP process, production and FSQS, as well as customer service.
• Leading Lean/TPM, manufacturing engineering, and production to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve delivery performance.
• Assure strong cross-functional alignment across sales, marketing, R&D, culinary, finance, procurement, IT and HR to actively engage in developing and delivering business unit plans and ensuring the seamless integration of new products into the manufacturing process and supply chain
• Develop and implement CAPEX plans in support of annual and long-range plans/aspirations, including climate action goals in the plants, and oversee capital investments and projects related to manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
• Lead, develop and mentor individuals and high‑performing teams with strong leadership and operational discipline, including developing team members to support their career growth in alignment with organizational needs.
• Implement Lean/TPM, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement systems that drive productivity and reduce waste, and maintain rigorous compliance with regulatory, safety, and quality standards.
• Active engagement with cross-functional Custom Culinary® Leadership Team, and Griffith’s Global Supply Chain Leadership Team

The Director of Manufacturing & Supply Chain position is well-suited for you if you:

• lead with strategic clarity and purpose, elevating operational performance, strengthening team capabilities, and ensuring efficient, high‑quality execution across all manufacturing and supply chain functions while collaborating seamlessly with R&D, Sales, Finance, and Quality to commercialize new products, optimize cost‑to‑serve, and align operations with business strategy.
• Build high‑performing, engaged teams through coaching, clear communication, change leadership, and a commitment to safety, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Demonstrate a deep understanding of end‑to‑end manufacturing and supply chain processes, using data and metrics (OEE, throughput, S&OP/IBP) to drive performance and eliminate bottlenecks.
• Apply Lean, TPM, and Six Sigma principles to simplify processes, reduce waste, and build a culture of disciplined, ongoing improvement using structured analysis, root‑cause thinking, and sound judgment to balance cost, quality, service, and risk while making timely, informed decisions.
• Are equally as comfortable on the manufacturing floor as you are in the Board room.

Qualified Candidates Will Have

• Bachelor’s degree in an Engineering discipline such as Industrial, Mechanical, or Manufacturing Engineering OR in Supply Chain or Operations Management or related discipline.
• At least 10 years of leadership experience in manufacturing & supply chain management within food, CPG, or related industry; including experience in both plant leadership and corporate supply chain roles.
• Proven experience leading the entire supply chain function from S&OP process, production, and customer service.
• Hands‑on expertise with Lean, TPM, or Six Sigma tools and a track record of driving continuous improvement.
• Experience developing and executing successful CAPEX plans aligned to short and long-term goals.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to solve complex problems and make sound, data‑driven decisions.
• Current residence within a commutable distance to Lombard, IL, OR a willingness to self-relocate to the area within 90 days of starting employment. Relocation stipend may be available for the right candidate.
• Willingness and ability to travel to manufacturing sites in Avon, OH, and Oswego, IL and co-manufacturer sites nationally.

What Will Set You Apart

• MBA or Master’s in Engineering, Supply Chain, or Operations
• Six Sigma yellow, green or black belt
• Certification for capital project oversight such as PMP, CAPM, or similar.
• Other certifications such as Certified TPM Practitioner, ASQ quality certification, and/or Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE)

This role is eligible for a discretionary bonus, with a target of 25%. This bonus is based on personal & company performance and is not a guaranteed bonus plan.

This role is affiliated to the Lombard, IL location, and candidates for this role need to reside within a commutable distance of that location. This role works from the Lombard office approx. 40% of time, with remainder of time primarily in the Oswego, IL or Avon, OH plants and/or co-manufacturing sites. Custom Culinary®& Griffith Foods embrace Work Flex, allowing employees to work remotely, and select options like compressed work weeks, flex time, etc. that creates an effective workplace where work patterns meet the needs of both employers & employees.

Physical Requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, stand and walk to communicate and listen effectively. This will require both office and plant floor environments.

Environmental Concerns

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to moving mechanical parts and risk of electrical shock. The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; outside weather conditions and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Dust and odor present in environment.

Requirements

We are proud of our benefits offerings. The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements:

Medical, Rx, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts, EAP, Health Advocacy, Financial Planning, Parental Leave, Care.com, Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance, Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement, Safety Reimbursement, Lifestyle Spending Account, Group Life & AD&D, Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term & Long Term Disability, 401(k) Plan with Company Match, ESOP, PTO, Holiday’s & Leaves, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Home & Auto Insurance, Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Long Term Care + Life Insurance & Legal Assistance.

Custom Culinary is a subsidiary of Griffith Foods and is a provider of branded and customer brand / “private label” soup bases, flavor concentrates, sauces, gravies, and other flavor enhancing products. We sell primarily into foodservice – restaurants, hospitals, schools, and cafeterias – as well as industrial – food manufacturers, assemblers, and commissaries – and specialty retail – grocery store foodservice, convenience stores, and meal kits.

At Custom Culinary, we aim to Be True to the Food™ , and we are focused on authentically bringing flavor and excellent food, ingredients, and menu solutions to our customers.

At Griffith Foods and our affiliated companies, we know it’s not about a “job” search – it’s about searching for a place to drive impact, to have purpose, and to have a fulfilling career. We know it’s not just about finding a job, it’s about so much more. Here, you can be a part of something bigger than yourself. It’s about thriving professionally while blending care and creativity for the greater good. Here you are valued for thinking differently in a space where we are working hard to create a reimagined future.

Griffith Foods is a family-owned business, founded in 1919 and headquartered in Alsip, Illinois USA.

Learn more about us at https://griffithfoods.com/careers/

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

EEO Notice of Rights

Griffith Foods believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity. Griffith Foods does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of the following actual or perceived characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristic or information, AIDS or HIV status, order of protection status, marital status, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspect of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, participation in benefit programs, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

EOE – Vet/Disability

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Griffith Foods believes that all persons are entitled to equal employment opportunity. Griffith Foods does not discriminate against qualified employees or applicants because of the following actual or perceived characteristics: race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, breastfeeding or related medical condition, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, genetic characteristic or information, AIDS or HIV status, order of protection status, marital status, military or veteran status, unfavorable discharge from military service, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law. Equal employment opportunity will be extended to all persons in all aspect of the employer-employee relationship, including recruitment, hiring, participation in benefit programs, training, promotion, transfer, discipline, layoff, recall, and termination.

Benefits

Benefits for this role include Medical, Rx, Dental, Vision, Flexible Spending & Health Savings Accounts, EAP, Health Advocacy, Financial Planning, Parental Leave, Care.com, Adoption & Surrogacy Assistance, Education Assistance/Tuition Reimbursement, Safety Reimbursement, Lifestyle Spending Account, Group Life & AD&D, Voluntary Life Insurance, Short Term & Long Term Disability, 401(k) Plan with Company Match, ESOP, PTO, Holiday’s & Leaves, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Home & Auto Insurance, Pet Insurance, Identity Theft Protection, Long Term Care + Life Insurance & Legal Assistance. There is also potential for a discretionary bonus, this bonus is based on personal & company performance and is not a guaranteed bonus plan.