DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS 15 DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS 16 is at the forefront, working toward this initiative by developing mentorship and training programs. Having proper training and development brings the skills and knowledge of all employees to a higher level. Another way for a DO to create avenues employee development is by encouraging job rotations and cross-functional exposure. Job rotations allow employees to develop a broader understanding of the business and acquire new skills. 5. Directors of Operations Follow Regulations You might think that only Health/Safety Managers and Quality Managers are knowledgeable about food safety regulations, but this isn’t the case. A DO also makes sure that their company’s manufacturing facilities are compliant with all food safety regulations and that employees work in safe environments. They do so by ensuring that their companies have a culture that extends from upper management all the way down to production line workers. DOs look at the bigger picture and analyze data relating to food safety to see if they can spot trouble areas. If they do identify one they will work with upper management to create plans to resolve these areas. Overall, if a company fails and a significant food safety incident were to occur the DO is held responsible legally. 6. Directors of Operations Have Experience in Demand Planning Demand planning is the process of forecasting demand for a product or service so it can be produced properly and on time. This skill includes planning, scheduling and coordinating the workload schedules of day-to-day activities of the operation. Overall, demand planning is a skill that develops with time. 7. Directors of Operations Create Recommendations Due to their upper management position, a DO has an overview of the entire company. Using their KPIs, they determine which parts of the company are running inefficiently. When they spot problems, they collaborate with different departments and develop long-term operational plans. An example of a recommendation is reallocating a company’s manufacturing budget for pies to cakes because that is where the company is seeing more success. 8. Directors of Operations are Leaders, Decisive and Personable As with any occupation, there are certain sets of skills which will aid you better than others. For a Director of Operations, these skills include: • Leadership – The Director of Operations needs to be an energizing, positive influence who promotes ownership and accountability. This role involves stewardship, and constantly encouraging their workforce to meet goals for the overall success of the business. • Decision Making – Effective leaders take their time when making decisions by going through a process. Once a Director of Operations makes a decision, they stick to their choice because they know they have analyzed the situation thoroughly before deciding. Strong decisions lead to better visions and goals within a company. • Interpersonal Skills – A Director of Operations communicates constantly with individuals both within and outside their company. Interpersonal skills such as listening, speaking and writing must be strong for individuals in a leadership position such as a DO. Photo by Lukas/pexels.com Do you have a passion for food? For career advice, support and connections, visit FoodGrads.com! Learn How to Get The Job You Want From Industry Experts from FGF Brands Chloe Hoang, Product Developer Assistant at Give & Go Foods 8 Facts about Bakers
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