Vice President of Manufacturing Operations - Pasco, WA

About the Role

We are currently seeking a Vice President of Manufacturing Operations to oversee the Plant Manufacturing Division of Oregon Potato Company, ensuring effective and efficient use of all facilities and staff. Reporting to the President, the successful candidate will improve efficiency and productivity through process improvements in manufacturing. This position will develop and execute the manufacturing strategy, optimize investment, and lead cost reduction strategies, supporting manufacturing methodologies to serve multiple markets from high volume to custom private label products.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Oversees and participates in the recruitment, hiring, training, and leading of Director of Operations and Plant Managers.
• Conducts performance evaluations that are timely and constructive.
• Handles discipline and termination of employees as needed and in accordance with company policies.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the manufacturing strategy for plants across the USA (and Canada).
• Oversee the manufacture of products, ensuring production, quality, safety, financial, and delivery standards are consistently met.
• Deliver targeted productivity improvements, manage the project pipeline, and identify business opportunities to drive Operational Excellence, Dramatic Growth, and Productivity.
• Develop and document a “best-in-class” structured process for assessing the efficiency and effectiveness of operations processes.
• Drive operational and profitability metrics and analytics to achieve revenue, EBITDA, and cash targets.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing techniques.
• Lead, along with Quality, the reduction of Waste in processes (scrap, rework, attrition).
• Develop annual manufacturing plans in consultation with other senior-level unit leaders to ensure proper usage of resources and meet production and customer delivery requirements.
• Ensure a healthy and safe working environment and compliance with federal and state regulations through collaboration with environmental, health, and safety staff.
• Assist the President with long-range operating goals, expansion efforts, and implementation of new and advanced technology.
• Identify and share training opportunities for staff to build and improve skills.
• Organize departmental management structure and teams for optimal, efficient operations.
• Work with the Chief Financial Officer to develop financial goals and operating budgets.
• Work with Purchasing to ensure best pricing.
• Deliver progress and production reports to executive team members as requested.
• Supervise equipment purchase, maintenance, and layout.
• Regular in-plant visits will be required to be effective in this role.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational and managerial skills.
• Thorough understanding of the policies and practices used in the manufacturing space.
• Ability to set long-term goals and communicate them to others.
• Ability to motivate and organize multiple efforts to accomplish organizational goals.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field required; Master’s degree preferred.
• 12+ years’ experience leading multi-site manufacturing operations with a systematic approach to safety, labor management, quality control, productivity, and cost containment.
• Extensive knowledge of Lean manufacturing preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer on occasion.
• Must be able to lift up to 30 pounds at times.
• Must be able to quickly traverse manufacturing areas.
• Must be able to stand, bend, crawl, stretch, lay, and squat to maintain equipment.

Pay

Salary: $275,000 – $340,000 DOE