Vice President, Operations

Vice President, Operations

Location: Washington DC Metro area (onsite daily)Employment Type: Full-timeCompensation: $120,000 – $130,000 base salary, plus a full benefits package

The Opportunity

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 food manufacturing experience is essential for this role.

Key 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

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

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

Preferred

• Bilingual (Spanish)

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 sponsorshipReady to lead at scale? Apply today and help a established food manufacturer keep building on its legacy of quality and innovation.