Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to take on the role of Director of Production & Innovation at our meat production facility. The ideal candidate will oversee all aspects of the production line, with a strong focus on process and productivity improvement, compliance, cost and yield optimization, and new product development. With experience in setting up production facilities in the region. A deep technical understanding of meat products — especially premium categories like Wagyu — is essential. The role is critical in driving operational excellence, ensuring regulatory compliance, and leading innovation initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
1. Operational Leadership
Oversee the entire production process from raw material intake to finished goods.
Lead initiatives to improve production yield, reduce waste, and manage production costs.
Establish and monitor KPIs for efficiency, quality, and output.
2. Process & Productivity Improvement
Drive continuous improvement across all production processes using Lean, Six Sigma, or equivalent methodologies.
Implement automation and digital tools where applicable to enhance efficiency and traceability.
Benchmark and adopt best practices from leading meat processing operations globally.
3. Compliance & Quality Assurance
Ensure all operations comply with local and international food safety standards (HACCP, ISO, FSIS ).
Work closely with QA/QC teams to ensure high product quality and traceability.
Prepare for and lead internal/external audits and regulatory inspections.
4. New Product Development
Collaborate with R&D, marketing, and sales teams to develop and launch innovative meat products.
Translate consumer trends and customer feedback into viable new offerings.
Ensure new products are scalable and cost-effective for mass production.
5. Team Leadership & Development
Lead and mentor the production team.
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
Build cross-functional alignment with procurement, logistics, and sales departments.
Requirements
Minimum 10 years of leadership experience in meat processing or food manufacturing, with at least 5 years at a senior management level.
Strong understanding of meat processing equipment, and modern production systems.
Direct experience with Wagyu or premium meat products is highly preferred.
Proven track record of leading cost reduction, process optimization, and NPD projects.
Excellent leadership, project management, and stakeholder communication skills.