Vice President of Manufacturing

Job QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.12+ years of progressive leadership in manufacturing, including full plant ownership.Experience leading new facility start-ups or major plant expansions.Extensive background in Food & Beverage or Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturing.Proven record of driving operational excellence using Lean, Six Sigma, or other structured continuous improvement systems.Demonstrated success leading large teams in high-speed, high-volume environments.Strong financial and business acumen, with the ability to translate operational strategies into measurable results.Overview As SVP of Manufacturing for a single, massive, state-of-the-art production facility, you will play a pivotal role in launching and scaling operations. This hands-on leader will establish operational systems, guide the plant through start-up, and ensure full-scale production excellence. The role demands someone who combines strategic thinking with active, on-the-floor leadership.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic & Operational LeadershipDefine and execute the plant’s manufacturing strategy in alignment with company goals.Lead all aspects of production, planning, and operational performance across safety, quality, cost, and delivery metrics.Ensure operational readiness, establishing infrastructure, people, and systems for a successful launch.Start-Up & Scaling ExecutionOversee plant commissioning and start-up, including hiring, training, SOP development, and line validation.Partner with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, HR) to execute the start-up roadmap.Drive speed to performance while building a foundation for long-term scalability and efficiency.Team Development & Culture BuildingRecruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team of directors, managers, supervisors, and front-line employees.Foster a culture centered on safety, accountability, continuous improvement, and empowerment.Lead by example, working alongside teams on the plant floor while setting clear expectations.Continuous Improvement & Lean ExecutionIdentify and implement best practices and Lean principles to drive efficiency, reduce waste, and improve product quality.Promote a data-driven environment using KPIs to measure performance and guide decisions.Lead CI projects focused on throughput, reliability, and cost control.Cross-Functional CollaborationPartner with Supply Chain and Sales & Operations Planning to ensure capacity aligns with demand.Collaborate with Quality Assurance to establish rigorous standards and ensure regulatory and food safety compliance.Serve as the plant’s point of contact with corporate leadership on performance, initiatives, and alignment.