Senior Vice President, Fresh & Ready Food Operatio

Job Summary:

The SVP of Operations will be a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing all operational aspects of the company’s four food manufacturing sites in WA, CA, KS, and WI. This role will provide strategic direction and drive excellence in production, quality control, supply chain, and regulatory compliance. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in lean manufacturing, experience with SQF audits, and knowledge of USDA and FDA regulatory standards. Additionally, they will possess exceptional financial acumen, P&L responsibility, and a passion for developing high-performing teams.

This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of a growing food manufacturing organization, making a tangible impact on both operational success and employee development. The SVP of Operations will play a pivotal role in ensuring the organization remains a leader in quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Operational Leadership
• Develop and execute the operations strategy to achieve company goals and growth targets.
• Oversee the daily operations of production, quality control, warehousing, and logistics.
• Implement and maintain lean manufacturing principles to optimize efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance productivity.
2. Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
• Lead quality assurance programs to ensure compliance with SQF, USDA, and FDA standards.
• Collaborate with quality and compliance teams to maintain and enhance food safety programs, ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements.
• Facilitate audits and inspections, ensuring all manufacturing facilities meet internal and external quality standards.
3. Financial Management
• Manage the operational budget, including cost control and forecasting.
• Drive financial performance through effective P&L management, identifying areas for improvement and operational efficiencies.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics to track progress toward financial and operational targets.
4. Talent Development & Team Leadership
• Cultivate a high-performance culture focused on accountability, continuous improvement, and personal growth.
• Lead, mentor, and develop direct reports and build a pipeline of talent across the operations team.
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and engaged work environment that motivates teams to perform at their best.
5. Strategic Planning & Continuous Improvement
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement strategies that support organizational goals.
• Identify opportunities for process improvement, driving innovation and best practices across the organization.
• Maintain a focus on operational excellence, implementing lean initiatives and continuous improvement strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in operations management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
• 10+ years in operations leadership within food manufacturing.
• Demonstrated experience with lean manufacturing, SQF, USDA, and FDA compliance.
• Proven track record in financial management, P&L responsibility, and driving operational efficiencies.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and inspire cross-functional teams.
• Analytical mindset with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Excellent communication and problem-solving skills.
• Experience in a high-growth or turnaround environment.
• Proficiency in continuous improvement methodologies, such as Six Sigma or Kaizen.
• Travel based on business needs throughout assigned facilities (4 in KS, CA, WA and WI)