VP of Operations

As a key architect of AOP's next chapter, this leader will build the operational foundation that positions AOP for scalable, profitable growth and long-term success.

American Outdoor Products

American Outdoor Products (AOP) is the parent corporation of two purpose-driven food brands: Backpacker’s Pantry and Astronaut Foods
Backpacker’s Pantry, founded in 1951, creates gourmet freeze-dried meals that fuel unforgettable outdoor adventures. Astronaut Foods, established in 1974, brings the thrill of space exploration to life with fun, freeze-dried snacks.
Based in Boulder, Colorado, both brands are united by a passion for innovation, adventure, and exceptional food. We are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable products that inspire curiosity, exploration, and discovery. Together, we are building a legacy of creativity and excellence in the specialty food space.

What You Will Do

The Vice President of Operations will lead all aspects of American Outdoor Products’
manufacturing, supply chain, quality, fulfillment, and facilities. This executive will develop and execute an operational strategy that expands and modernizes AOP’s production capabilities, establishes co-packing as a profitable business unit, and ensures best in class operational performance across both owned brands and external customer partnerships.
As a key member of the executive leadership team, the VP of Operations will be accountable for delivering operational excellence, building and mentoring high-performing teams, and aligning all functions with AOP’s financial objectives, customer expectations, and brand values.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic oversight and hands-on leadership across Warehouse, Shipping, Quality Assurance, Production, Supply Chain, and Facilities departments, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and a "people-first" leadership approach.
• Develop and execute a multi-year roadmap for AOP to become a leading co-packer in the outdoor and natural foods sector, including investments in equipment, facilities, staffing, and systems.
• Lead annual planning for operations, including resource allocation, capital investments, and strategic initiatives in partnership with Sales, Finance and the CEO.
• Champion and embed a culture of continuous improvement throughout all operational areas, proactively identifying, recommending, and implementing initiatives to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize waste.
• Develop, implement, and continuously enhance operational tools, systems, and processes, including automation, ERP, and digital transformation, to modernize operations.
• Oversee critical facility and equipment management strategies to minimize downtime, enhance preventive maintenance practices, and drive improvements in production capabilities for both existing and new products.
• Bridge company vision and manufacturing operations, embedding brand ethos into sourcing decisions, operational practices, fulfillment processes and supply chain strategies.
• Ensure rigorous compliance and leadership in adhering to all company policies, regulatory requirements, quality standards, safety protocols, sanitation practices, and certifications such as OSHA, USDA, HACCP, Kosher, Organic, Non-GMO, and SQF.
• Oversee systems and accountability for production schedules, ensuring consistent achievement of on-time, in-full shipment targets of at least 98%.
• Analyze operational and manufacturing data to proactively resolve challenges and minimize disruptions, delivering timely, accurate reporting that gives leadership clear visibility into operational performance.
• Build and lead AOP's co-packing business unit, owning full P&L accountability to drive profitability while meeting customer service and quality standards.
• Partner cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, R&D, and Finance to position AOP as a competitive, reliable co-packing provider and ensure innovation meets customer needs.
• Build contingency planning and redundancy into the supply chain through diversified vendor relationships.

Who You Are

You are a structured, detail-oriented builder who creates lasting processes and systems rather than relying on ad hoc fixes. You know how to establish accountability and develop your managers, setting clear expectations and building training paths that create greater ownership at every level. You bring deep operational leadership experience, having scaled manufacturing operations before. Your commercial and financial acumen runs deep and you can speak fluently to both the operational and financial sides of the business.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 12+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing, CPG, or related industries, with at least 5 years in a senior executive role.
• Proven success scaling manufacturing operations and launching a co-packing or contract manufacturing business.
• Experience achieving SQF and equivalent certifications to support co-packing clients.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to evaluate and negotiate co-packing contracts.
• Expertise in supply chain management, ERP systems, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing departmental P&L responsibility and capital projects.
• Demonstrated ability to lead organizational change and build high-performance cultures.
• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.
• Ability to work from our Boulder office four days per week (Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays)
• Ability to speak Spanish is a plus

Benefits

• Salary: $200K-$225K base
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Unlimited paid time off.
• Paid holidays.
• 401(K) retirement plan.
• Employee profit-sharing program.
• Product stipend and access to industry deals.

AOP is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated fairly and with respect. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. Our commitment to equal opportunity applies to all aspects of employment.