VP of Food Manufacturing

Job Summary: 

The Director/VP of Food Manufacturing is a strategic business leader responsible for overseeing all manufacturing operations across two facilities while driving business development and wholesale market expansion. This executive role combines operational leadership with sales collaboration and growth strategy, ensuring production systems are safe, efficient, compliant, and aligned with aggressive revenue and market penetration goals.

Duties/Responsibilities : 

1. Oversee and direct sales teams at both Ohio and Indiana facilities, conducting weekly meetings with sales staff and General Managers
2. Demonstrate deep knowledge of wholesale and food distribution business including key players, brokers, distributors, and retail channels
3. Drive business development initiatives to expand wholesale production and secure new retail partnerships nationwide
4. Develop and execute strategic growth plans balancing commissary operations with aggressive wholesale market expansion
5. Build and maintain relationships with brokers, distributors, and key retail decision-makers
6. Partner with executive leadership to set and achieve ambitious profitability targets
7. Oversee daily operations across both Northeast Ohio and Northern Indiana facilities
8. Provide strategic direction and leadership to General Managers at both locations
9. Conduct weekly operational and sales review meetings with facility leadership teams
10. Optimize production planning, scheduling, staffing, and workflow for both commissary and wholesale business lines
11. Ensure manufacturing operations consistently meet customer delivery expectations and aggressive growth timelines
12. Develop and manage operating budgets for labor, materials, and manufacturing expenses aligned with financial targets
13. Implement cost-reduction initiatives while maintaining quality standards and production capacity
14. Monitor manufacturing accounting practices including cost tracking, variance analysis, and profitability optimization
15. Champion Lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives
16. Monitor and drive improvement in key performance indicators (KPIs) for productivity, quality, safety, cost, and on-time delivery
17. Establish benchmarks and best practices across both facilities to maximize operational efficiency and scalability
18. Ensure strict compliance with all food safety and regulatory standards (FDA FSMA, USDA, SQF, HACCP, GMPs)
19. Work closely with food safety personnel to maintain highest quality standards
20. Foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement aligned with growth objectives
21. Engage with external partners, vendors, brokers, and retail customers to support business development

Education and Experience:

1. Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or related field (advanced degree preferred)
2. 10-15+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing or CPG production environments
3. Demonstrated success in both operations management and business development/sales collaboration
4. Proven expertise in wholesale food distribution business including knowledge of brokers, distributors, and retail channels

Required Skills/Abilities:

1. Deep understanding of food safety and quality systems, regulatory compliance, and production technologies
2. Strong grasp of manufacturing accounting practices including cost tracking, variance analysis, and profitability optimization
3. Business development acumen with ability to identify growth opportunities and support sales efforts
4. Lean manufacturing certification strongly preferred
5. Proficiency with Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, ERP/MRP systems, and performance analytics
6. Understanding of supply chain fundamentals and commissary operations
7. Exceptional problem-solving abilities and results-driven approach
8. Outstanding communication and influencing skills with ability to lead cross-functional teams
9. Comfortable working in fast-paced, growth-oriented environment
10. Willingness to travel to Indiana one week per month