Director of Nutrition Operations at Frontier Cooperative in Columbus, Nebraska

Job description

• The Director of Nutrition Operations provides leadership and operational oversight for our feed mill, warehouse, distribution, and delivery functions. This position is responsible for leading employees, coordinating production and inventory, supporting distributor and customer needs, and ensuring operations are safe, efficient, compliant, and positioned for continued growth.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & Personnel
• Lead, coach, and develop employees across feed mill, warehouse, distribution, and delivery operations.
• Establish clear expectations and hold employees accountable for safety, quality, operational performance, and customer service.
• Support employee development and cross-training to ensure appropriate operational coverage.
• Provide hands-on operational support when business needs require.
• Nutrition Production & Warehouse Operations
• Oversee daily production, inventory, and warehouse priorities to meet customer and distributor needs.
• Develop production and inventory forecasts to maintain appropriate product availability and capacity.
• Monitor and manage margin structures across nutrition products and services to support profitability and market competitiveness.
• Coordinate production priorities with inventory, customer orders, distribution needs, and delivery schedules.
• Identify opportunities to improve productivity, workflow, inventory accuracy, and overall efficiency.
• Distribution & Delivery
• Oversee nutrition delivery and distribution activities to ensure timely and reliable customer service.
• Coordinate production, inventory, warehouse, and transportation activities.
• Serve as a key operational resource for distributors regarding product availability, scheduling, and delivery needs.
• Resolve distribution and delivery challenges while minimizing customer disruptions.
• Quality & Compliance
• Ensure employees follow company policies, procedures, quality standards, and operational expectations.
• Maintain required operational, quality, and regulatory documentation.
• Oversee facility housekeeping and cleaning standards.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement opportunities within operations.
• Safety & Transportation Compliance
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure employees follow required safety policies and training.
• Maintain required safety and transportation documentation.
• Oversee fleet and driver performance, including Samsara monitoring, coaching, and corrective action when appropriate.
• Support compliance with applicable DOT and FMCSA requirements.
• Assist with safety incident investigations, corrective actions, and employee accountability.
• Maintenance & Facility
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs for the feed mill, warehouse, equipment, and operational assets.
• Identify and prioritize equipment, facility, and infrastructure needs.
• Coordinate with contractors on repairs, improvements, project schedules, and quotes.
• Participate in the planning, budgeting, and execution of CAPEX projects.
• Support long-term planning for facility and equipment improvements.

Requirements

• 3+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations, nutrition manufacturing, production, warehousing, agriculture, distribution, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading, developing, and holding accountable a team of 10+ employees.
• Strong understanding of production planning, inventory management, warehousing, and distribution.
• Experience overseeing multiple operational functions, departments, facilities, or locations preferred.
• Experience with transportation, fleet, delivery, or logistics operations preferred.
• Familiarity with DOT/FMCSA requirements and workplace safety practices.
• Strong leadership, communication, planning, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance operational priorities, employee needs, customer service, and business objectives.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Willingness to work in feed mill and warehouse environments and provide hands-on support when needed.

Skills

Required

• Leadership
• Communication
• Planning
• Decision-making
• Problem-solving
• Production planning
• Inventory management
• Warehousing
• Distribution
• DOT/FMCSA requirements
• Workplace safety practices

Benefits

• Why join us? Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, finances, and future.
• Paycheck for life: Cooperative pension plan, plus 401(k) with traditional and Roth options
• Comprehensive health coverage: Medical, dental, and vision insurance, supplemental plans, and FSA/HSA spending accounts
• Paid time off: Vacation and sick leave to rest and recharge
• Uniform & boot allowances: Annual allowances so you're always equipped and ready
• 360 Wellness Program: Whole-person wellness with real incentives
• Sign-on & referral bonuses: Get rewarded for joining and for bringing great people with you
• Additional benefits available — ask us for details.