Vice President of Operations

Job Description: Vice President of Operations

Location: Alexandria, VA, USA

Salary: $120,000–$125,000 per year

Position Summary

The Vice President of Operations will lead and manage manufacturing operations, overseeing production, maintenance, quality, distribution, and continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing facilities.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this role is responsible for driving operational excellence, improving productivity, maintaining food safety standards, and ensuring efficient, cost-effective plant operations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or plant operations, specializing in sous vide production.
• At least 5 years of production management experience.
• Experience managing production audits, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and food safety standards within the food manufacturing industry.
• Demonstrated ability to improve production performance in a manufacturing environment.
• Proven track record of successful plant leadership, team development, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong organizational, technical, quality, safety, and environmental management skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment and manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Bilingual abilities preferred.

Education

• Bachelors degree in Manufacturing Technology, Engineering, Food Science, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Masters degree preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing operations to ensure effective operational controls, administrative procedures, reporting systems, and workforce management.
• Drive operational excellence and achieve business objectives across manufacturing facilities.
• Collaborate with the COO to develop and implement operational strategies, goals, and processes that support business growth.
• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
• Identify and implement solutions to operational challenges across manufacturing facilities.
• Oversee the ordering, maintenance, and upkeep of buildings, material-handling equipment, and inventory.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, productivity, and cost reduction.
• Ensure production processes meet operational standards, quality requirements, and financial objectives.
• Promote effective communication and collaboration across departments to improve teamwork and operational efficiency.
• Direct and coordinate manufacturing, production control, and maintenance functions to achieve plant goals.
• Support quality assurance and food safety systems to improve product quality and customer satisfaction.
• Respond proactively to customer requirements, delivery schedules, schedule changes, and special instructions.
• Align departmental objectives with short-term operational needs and long-term business plans.
• Maintain working knowledge of integrated manufacturing ERP systems.
• Participate in strategic planning and the development of organizational programs.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by management.