Overview
As the senior manufacturing leader for a brand-new, large-scale production facility, the Vice President of Manufacturing will play a pivotal role in launching and scaling operations. This hands-on executive will provide strategic direction, establish world-class manufacturing systems from the ground up, and guide the plant from start-up through full-scale production. The role requires a proven leader with deep experience in large plant operations, start-up environments, and continuous improvement within Food & Beverage or Consumer Packaged Goods manufacturing.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic & Operational Leadership
Define and execute the plant?s manufacturing strategy in alignment with corporate objectives.
Lead all aspects of production, planning, and performance across safety, quality, cost, and delivery metrics.
Champion operational readiness by ensuring infrastructure, personnel, and systems are fully prepared for launch.
Start-Up & Scaling Execution
Direct plant commissioning and start-up efforts, including staffing, training, SOP development, and line validation.
Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, and HR to ensure seamless execution of the start-up roadmap.
Drive speed to performance while building a foundation for long-term scalability, reliability, and efficiency.
Team Development & Culture Building
Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing team of manufacturing directors, managers, supervisors, and frontline employees.
Build a plant culture centered on safety, accountability, empowerment, and continuous improvement.
Lead with authenticity and integrity, setting clear expectations and fostering collaborative leadership at every level.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Execution
Implement best practices and lean manufacturing principles to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
Utilize data and KPIs to drive informed decisions and track operational performance.
Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on throughput, reliability, and cost control.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Collaborate with Supply Chain and Sales & Operations Planning to ensure production capacity aligns with demand.
Partner with Quality Assurance to establish and maintain rigorous food safety and regulatory compliance standards.
Serve as the plant?s executive liaison with corporate leadership, ensuring alignment on performance, strategy, and priorities.
Qualifications
Bachelor?s degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership, including significant plant-level ownership.
Proven success in new facility start-ups or major plant expansions.
Extensive background in Food & Beverage or Consumer Packaged Goods manufacturing.
Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other structured continuous improvement methodologies.
Successful track record leading large teams in high-speed, high-volume environments.
Strong financial and business acumen with the ability to translate operational strategy into measurable results.