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Executive Vice President, Operations, Engineering & Maintenance
About the Opportunity
A large, established food manufacturer is seeking an Executive Vice President of Operations, Engineering & Maintenance to lead manufacturing strategy and execution at its flagship facility and corporate headquarters.
This is a high-impact executive opportunity for a hands-on manufacturing leader who thrives in complex food production environments and wants to shape the future of a growing, highly automated operation. The EVP will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and lead Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Capital Projects, and Continuous Improvement across a large-scale manufacturing environment.
The ideal candidate brings strong food manufacturing leadership, deep operational and equipment knowledge, and a proven ability to build high-performing teams while improving safety, quality, service, productivity, and financial performance.
What You Will Do
- Develop and execute manufacturing strategy in alignment with business objectives, growth plans, and long-term operational goals.
- Provide executive leadership across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Thermal Processing, Sanitation, Capital Projects, and Continuous Improvement.
- Drive measurable improvements in food safety, quality, customer service, labor productivity, cost, equipment reliability, and manufacturing throughput.
- Lead capital planning, automation initiatives, engineering projects, facility improvements, and equipment modernization efforts.
- Ensure plant capacity, maintenance programs, engineering resources, and production capabilities support current customer demand and future growth.
- Establish and monitor operational KPIs that support informed decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Build, coach, and develop operational leadership teams while creating a culture of ownership, collaboration, accountability, and employee engagement.
- Partner closely with Quality, Food Safety, Supply Chain, Finance, R&D, Sales, and Human Resources to align manufacturing capabilities with organizational priorities.
- Champion Lean Manufacturing, waste reduction, process optimization, TPM, and operational excellence initiatives.
- Lead organizational change initiatives that improve flexibility, profitability, manufacturing capability, and long-term competitiveness.
- Maintain strong standards for food safety, employee safety, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and customer requirements.
- Interface with customers, suppliers, and strategic partners to support commercialization, operational initiatives, and customer satisfaction.
What We Are Looking For
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
- 15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience within food manufacturing.
- Senior-level leadership experience overseeing Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and capital projects.
- Experience leading large-scale manufacturing operations in a shelf-stable, retort, hot-fill, pouch, tray, or other FDA-regulated food production environment.
- Strong understanding of food safety systems and regulatory requirements, including HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, SQF or BRC, OSHA, and related standards.
- Demonstrated success improving manufacturing efficiency, cost structure, throughput, equipment reliability, service levels, and plant performance.
- Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, TPM, Six Sigma, and KPI-driven performance management.
- Strong financial acumen, including operating budgets, capital expenditures, cost optimization, and ROI analysis.
- Experience leading automation projects, engineering initiatives, equipment upgrades, and facility improvements.
- Proven ability to lead diverse hourly workforces and build high-performing leadership teams.
- A visible, servant-leadership style with the ability to set high standards, coach leaders, and create accountability with respect.
- Comfortable working in a hands-on manufacturing environment and spending meaningful time on the production floor.
Why Consider This Opportunity
- Executive-level role with direct visibility to the President and senior leadership team.
- Lead operations at a large-scale, approximately 1,000-employee manufacturing facility.
- Drive meaningful automation, modernization, and capacity-growth initiatives.
- Influence long-term operational strategy and business growth.
- Join a business with strong institutional knowledge and long-tenured operational leadership.
- Significant autonomy and direct ability to influence plant performance, culture, and operational direction.
Compensation and Benefits
- Competitive Base Salary plus short and long term incentive packages
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k) with employer match up to 4.5%
- Short-term and long-term disability coverage
- Tuition reimbursement
- Wellness clinic and Employee Assistance Program
- Supplemental insurance options
JOB ID: 177704
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Sarah Rowland-Varner