Vice President Operations

As Vice President, Operations , you will provide strategic leadership for the Operations function, aligning manufacturing, supply planning, environmental health and safety, engineering, continuous improvement, and project execution to deliver safe, high-quality products on time and within budget. You will lead and develop the Operations organization, partner cross-functionally with senior leadership, and shape strategies that support growth, operational excellence, and a high-performance culture. What you will be doing... Lead the development, prioritization, alignment, and execution of strategic Operations initiatives that support company growth, capacity, service, cost, and quality objectives. Oversee manufacturing operations from ingredient processing through final packaged product, ensuring production plans are delivered on time, within budget, and in alignment with quality standards. Champion people safety, food safety, product quality, and compliance with applicable regulatory and government agency requirements, including FDA, OSHA, USDA, and HACCP expectations where applicable. Set the environmental health and safety strategy and ensure the organization has the focus, resources, and accountability needed to protect employees and operations. Lead engineering, maintenance, facilities, and continuous improvement efforts that strengthen equipment reliability, operational capability, and future manufacturing needs. Guide demand and supply planning and related handoffs to support effective product availability, storage, delivery, and service performance. Establish clear operating standards, metrics, and goals; communicate performance, capacity, risks, opportunities, and recommended solutions to senior leadership. Attract, retain, develop, and inspire Operations talent while creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, ownership, continuous improvement, and long-term career growth. Participate as a member of the senior leadership team, serving as a strategic business partner and representing Operations in business reviews, growth planning, and long-term operational strategy. When visiting manufacturing plants, you will be expected to: Adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) to ensure product quality and maintain compliance with food safety standards. Complete and follow FSQA training and programs to comply with regulatory requirements, ensure consumer safety, and support the plant's food safety and quality objectives. Promptly report and take appropriate action on any observed or potential food safety hazards, process deviations, or non-conformities by notifying the designated plant supervisor, in accordance with your role and responsibilities. Actively contribute to the continuous improvement of the company's Food Safety Culture through engagement and actions aligned with your role. Basic Qualifications Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related field. 15+ years of progressively responsible experience in food manufacturing or a fast-moving consumer packaged goods environment. 7+ years leading teams and working cross-functionally to drive enterprise-wide results, including leadership of large-scale manufacturing, warehouse, or operations teams. Demonstrated expertise across manufacturing, environmental health and safety, demand and supply planning, logistics/supply chain, engineering, and continuous improvement. Proven ability to develop and execute operational strategies, establish clear metrics, manage financial performance, solve complex problems, and identify risks and opportunities proactively. Strong leadership presence, integrity, communication skills, collaboration skills, and the ability to influence stakeholders across all levels of the organization. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Preferred Qualifications Master's degree or MBA. Experience within snack, bakery, confectionary. premium food, or other highly regulated food manufacturing environments. Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, APICS, HACCP, or Quality Management certification/training. Experience operating within a global manufacturing organization. Proven track record of developing high-performing teams and leading organizations through change, growth, or transformation. #J-18808-Ljbffr Appleton Finn