Vice President of Operations

Vice President of Operations Washington, DC Metro Area

Position Overview

Our client is a growing food manufacturing organization seeking an experienced Vice President of Operations to provide strategic and hands‑on leadership across its manufacturing operations. This is a highly visible leadership position reporting directly to the company’s senior executive team.

Ideal Background

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience within food manufacturing
• 5+ years of direct production or plant operations management experience
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, food safety, GMPs, quality systems, and production compliance
• Experience leading high-volume or complex manufacturing operations
• Demonstrated success improving productivity, efficiency, quality, and operating costs
• Strong understanding of plant maintenance, equipment reliability, safety, and facility operations
• Proven ability to build, develop, coach, and retain strong manufacturing leadership teams
• Experience establishing accountability, performance standards, and a culture of continuous improvement
• Strong business judgment with the ability to balance operational demands with financial objectives
• Strong Microsoft Office skills
• Experience with manufacturing ERP systems
• Bilingual skills are a plus

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Master’s degree or advanced business/operations education is preferred

Responsibilities

Provide overall leadership for manufacturing operations and establish a culture focused on safety, quality, productivity, accountability, and continuous improvement. Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with the organization’s growth and financial objectives. Oversee manufacturing, production, maintenance, quality, inventory, distribution, and related operational functions. Establish and monitor operational metrics, KPIs, budgets, and performance objectives. Identify opportunities to improve throughput, efficiency, labor utilization, product quality, and operating costs. Ensure manufacturing processes and procedures consistently meet established quality, food safety, regulatory, and customer requirements. Strengthen operational systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls throughout the manufacturing organization. Lead initiatives designed to improve equipment reliability, facility performance, production capacity, and overall plant efficiency. Foster strong communication and collaboration between manufacturing, quality, maintenance, supply chain, distribution, and other departments. Develop and mentor plant leaders and production management personnel.

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