Vice President, Food Manufacturing

The Vice President, Food Production will be responsible for setting and executing the strategic direction of our food manufacturing operations in the Midwest, ensuring compliance with food safety standards, optimizing productivity and efficiency, and managing budgets and resources across multiple locations.

Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage all aspects of food production operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness
• Develop and implement strategic plans to drive production growth and improve operational performance.
• Oversee the production process, including procurement, manufacturing, and distribution, ensuring compliance with all safety and regulatory standards
• Manage budgets, cost control, and financial performance of the production operations.
• Ensure that all core processes are clearly outlined and work to improve continuity across all locations to ensure procedures are consistently followed.
• Work closely with Quality Assurance to enforce all Food Safety Guidelines and company Safety and Security policies.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to implement new products/items and develop strategies to ensure a successful production expansion.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance product quality, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization.
• Ensure the implementation and maintenance of robust quality control systems and processes.
• Manage and develop a high-performing team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and identify areas for improvement
• Stay current with industry trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes to maintain a competitive edge.
• Partner with Human Resources to ensure staffing is at appropriate levels and pay in all Food Production positions is competitive, in addition to making recommendations to adjust staffing to accommodate shifts in seasonal production schedules.

Requirements:

• 10+ years of experience in the food industry from food manufacturing and/or CPG industry.
• Must have working knowledge of G.F.S.I, H.A.C.C.P., H.A.R.P.C., G.M.P.'S, Kosher Certification, or Organic Certification.
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, technologies, and regulations.
• Strong organizational, planning, process improvement and prioritization skills.
• Experience leading teams with excellent communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Bachelor's Degree in food science, engineering, or a related field preferred
• Must be willing to travel frequently to visit and monitor the different operations facilities, and to collaborate with other departments and stakeholders.
• This position will be based in Westerville and oversee the Cheryl’s Cookies operations. It will also oversee The Popcorn Factory’s operations in Lake Forrest, Illinois, so travel will be required.