About the Company
A privately held food manufacturer with global reach is looking for a Vice President, Operations to lead its plant operations. This is a high-visibility leadership role for an experienced food manufacturing executive. You will set the vision for safety, quality, and productivity, and build the teams and systems that deliver it. Hands-on experience in food manufacturing is essential for this role.
About the Role
Vice President, Operations
Location: Washington, DC Metro area (onsite daily)
Employment Type: Full-time
Responsibilities
- Lead all manufacturing operations and build a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
- Develop and execute operational strategies that support growth and financial objectives
- Oversee production, maintenance, quality, inventory, distribution, and related functions
- Set and track KPIs, budgets, and performance goals
- Improve throughput, efficiency, labor utilization, product quality, and operating costs
- Ensure all processes meet quality, food safety, regulatory, and customer standards
- Strengthen operational systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls
- Drive projects that increase equipment reliability, facility performance, and production capacity
- Promote collaboration across manufacturing, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and distribution
- Coach and develop plant leaders and production management
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)
- Master's degree or advanced business/operations education preferred
Experience
- 10+ years of progressive leadership in food manufacturing
- 5+ years in direct production or plant operations management
- Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, food safety, GMPs, quality systems, and compliance
- Experience leading high-volume or complex manufacturing operations
- Demonstrated success improving productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost
- Solid understanding of plant maintenance, equipment reliability, safety, and facility operations
- Proven ability to build, develop, and retain strong leadership teams
- Experience setting performance standards and driving a continuous improvement culture
- Sound business judgment, balancing operational needs with financial goals
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with manufacturing ERP systems
Required Skills
- Hands-on experience in food manufacturing
- Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, food safety, GMPs, quality systems, and compliance
- Solid understanding of plant maintenance, equipment reliability, safety, and facility operations
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Experience with manufacturing ERP systems
Preferred Skills
Pay range and compensation package
- Compensation: $120,000 – $130,000 base salary, plus a full benefits package
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- 401(k)
- Short-term disability
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- Paid holidays
Work Requirements
- Must currently reside in the Washington, DC Metro area
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S. now and in the future without employer sponsorship
Ready to lead at scale? Apply today and help an established food manufacturer keep building on its legacy of quality and innovation.
Equal Opportunity Statement
The job description does not provide an explicit equal opportunity statement.