VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

Our client has been a trusted name in the bakery and snack industry for more than a century and is in an exciting phase of growth! We have been retained by this leading food manufacturer to identify a Vice President of Operations who will provide strategic leadership across multiple manufacturing facilities. As a key member of the executive leadership team, this individual will oversee all aspects of plant operations, driving excellence in safety, quality, productivity, customer service, and financial performance while supporting the company's continued expansion. This highly visible leadership role is ideal for a hands-on executive who enjoys spending time in manufacturing environments, coaching and developing plant leadership teams, implementing operational best practices, and driving consistent execution across multiple locations!

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for multiple manufacturing facilities, ensuring alignment with business objectives and operational priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop operations leadership teams while fostering a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing initiatives that improve productivity, reduce waste, optimize efficiencies, and lower operating costs.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and overall operational performance.
• Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality, environmental, and regulatory requirements, including FDA, HACCP, SQF, GMP, and OSHA standards.
• Oversee operational budgets, cost management, forecasting, capital planning, and long-term manufacturing strategies.
• Partner cross-functionally with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, HR, and Commercial teams to support new product launches, customer growth, and operational readiness.
• Lead capital improvement initiatives and capacity planning efforts that enhance manufacturing capabilities and support future business growth.
• Build and develop high-performing teams while creating strong succession plans and leadership development programs across operations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree required; Engineering, Operations, Food Science, or a related discipline preferred. MBA is a plus.
• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience within food or beverage manufacturing. (Bakery/Snack Manufacturing experience highly preferred)
• Proven success leading multi-site manufacturing operations with full operational and financial accountability.
• Strong background in lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Experience managing regulated food manufacturing environments with expertise in FDA, HACCP, SQF/AIB, GMP, and food safety standards.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change, develop leaders, and build high-performing teams.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, capital projects, productivity initiatives, and cost improvement programs.
• Experience with ERP systems and data-driven decision making.
• Ability to travel approximately 25%.