Vice President of Operations

Job Description: Vice President of Operations

Location: Sterling, VA, USA

Salary: $125,000–$130,000 per year

Position Summary

The Vice President of Operations will lead and manage the Sterling, VA manufacturing facility, overseeing production, maintenance, quality, distribution, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), this executive will drive operational excellence, improve productivity, maintain food safety standards, and ensure efficient, cost-effective plant operations.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience managing manufacturing or plant operations, specializing in sous vide production.
• Minimum of 5 years of production management experience.
• Experience managing food production audits, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and other food safety standards.
• Demonstrated ability to drive production performance in a manufacturing environment.
• Previous experience in food manufacturing is required.
• Proven track record of effective plant leadership, team development, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong organizational, technical, quality, safety, and environmental management skills.
• Ability to thrive 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

• Provide leadership and management to ensure effective operational controls, administrative procedures, reporting systems, and workforce management.
• Lead manufacturing operations to achieve operational excellence and meet business goals.
• Collaborate with the COO to develop and implement operational strategies, goals, programs, and processes that support business growth.
• Develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that improve operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness.
• Identify and implement solutions to manufacturing and operational challenges.
• 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 efficiency.
• Direct and coordinate manufacturing, production control, and maintenance functions to achieve plant objectives.
• 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.
• Collaborate with teams across the organization to align short-term operational needs with long-term business goals.
• 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.