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Factory Director

Suffolk, VA

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is the world’s largest tea business, home to much‑loved brands including Lipton, PG Tips, Pukka, TAZO, and Red Rose. Every day, our teas are part of moments that matter, from quiet pauses to shared rituals.

We’re united by one purpose: to craft great teas for every occasion, bringing joy and inspiring a healthier lifestyle. Guided by the power of plants and a deep understanding of our consumers, we create teas that fit real lives, tastes, and traditions around the world.

At Lipton Teas and Infusions, people come first. We foster an environment built on ownership, passion for excellence, and consumer and customer centricity — where diverse perspectives are valued, ideas are encouraged, and people are supported to grow and thrive.

Be part of this amazing blend. Join us and help craft great teas — and a healthier, happier world.

Job Title: Factory Director 

Location: Suffolk, Virginia

Job Type: Full-Time

Travel Required: Limited

Your Role

As the Suffolk Factory Director, you will lead all aspects of factory operations at our flagship manufacturing site in Suffolk, VA. You will be responsible for delivering safety, quality, service, cost, and people performance across a 24/5 operation. This role is pivotal in driving transformation, embedding a culture of continuous improvement, and ensuring the site is future-ready.

You will lead a diverse team of salaried and hourly employees, partnering closely with cross-functional leaders in Quality, Planning, Logistics, Engineering, and People & Organization. You will also serve as a liaison with union representatives and external stakeholders, ensuring smooth labor relations and community engagement.

Key Responsibilities

  • Safety Leadership: Champion a zero-incident safety culture. Ensure compliance with all safety regulations and internal protocols.
  • Operational Leadership: Oversee all factory operations, ensuring delivery of KPIs across safety, quality, cost, service, and sustainability.
  • Transformation & Strategy: Lead the site’s multi-year transformation agenda, including capital investments, organizational redesign, and capability building.
  • People Leadership: Build a high-performing, inclusive culture. Develop talent, drive engagement, and foster leadership at all levels.
  • Quality & Compliance: Ensure adherence to regulatory standards and internal quality systems. Partner with Quality Leads to drive continuous improvement.
  • Stakeholder Management: Represent the site in regional and global forums. Maintain strong relationships with union leadership, local authorities, and community partners.
  • Financial Stewardship: Manage site budget and capital expenditure. Drive cost optimization and productivity initiatives.

What You’ll Need to Succeed

  • Proven experience in factory or supply chain leadership, ideally in food or beverage manufacturing.
  • Strong track record of leading transformation and change management.
  • Deep understanding of operational excellence, lean manufacturing, and quality systems.
  • Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence across levels.
  • Experience managing unionized environments is preferred.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree in Engineering, Operations, or Business is a plus.

Why Join Us

At Lipton Teas and Infusions, we offer more than a job—we offer a journey. You’ll be part of a purpose-driven organization that values wellbeing, sustainability, and innovation. We provide space to grow, freedom to lead, and a community where ideas thrive.

 

Benefits & Perks 

  • Comprehensive insurance plans - health, dental + disability and life Insurance
  • 401(k) with 5% company matching + an extra 4% after your first year
  • Generous time off including 20 days flexible PTO that increases with tenure and company holidays
  • Parental Leave - Primary & Secondary

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is an organization committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. We are interested in every individual bringing their whole self to work and this includes you! Therefore if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.

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