VP of Operations

Our Story

The Palmer family has been making candy together since 1878!

We are proud of our unique history that is highlighted by six generations of family ownership and management. Palmer Candy Company operates today as not only one of the country's oldest candy companies, but as the very oldest company of its size to be under continuous family ownership in the United States!

Today, over 147 years later, a fifth-generation family member, the great-great-grandson of the founder, E.C. Palmer, runs Palmer Candy Company. Even though the company continues to grow, we never forget our early roots by continuing to make quality candies one batch at a time using the finest ingredients and careful time-honored production techniques.

We love making chocolate confections and enjoy living up to our 100-year-old motto - "Making Life Sweeter Since 1878"!

Join us!

We are seeking a results-driven operations leader with a passion for food production and innovation

Palmer Candy Company is seeking an experienced, strategic, and visionary Vice President of Operations to oversee the operations of our two local food manufacturing plants. As a key member of our leadership team, you will drive operational excellence, ensure the highest standards of quality, and help shape the future growth of our company. This is a rare opportunity to lead dynamic teams, optimize production processes, and make a significant impact in the fast-paced food manufacturing industry.

What You'll Do:

• Lead Operational Excellence: Oversee daily operations across both confectionery plants, ensuring the production of premium-quality products that meet the highest industry standards.
• Develop & Implement Strategy: Work with executive leadership to craft and execute operational strategies that drive growth, profitability, and continuous improvement in our manufacturing processes.
• Optimize Production: Streamline production workflows, introduce best practices, and identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve efficiency, and enhance productivity.
• Quality Assurance: Ensure the highest standards of quality control and food safety practices are implemented, meeting both regulatory requirements and consumer expectations
• Financial Oversight: Manage the P&L for both plants, working to achieve financial goals, control costs, and maximize profitability without sacrificing product quality.
• Team Leadership & Development: Build and lead a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Mentor plant managers and production supervisors to achieve peak performance.
• Safety & Compliance: Ensure all operations comply with local, state, and federal regulations, maintaining a safe, clean, and compliant workplace for all employees.

Cross-functional Collaboration: Partner closely with supply chain, R&D, sales, and marketing teams to ensure smooth production processes that align with market demand and customer expectations.

What We're Looking For:

• Experience: 7+ years of experience in operations leadership within the food manufacturing or production industry, preferrably within the confectionary industry, including at least 3 years in a senior leadership role.
• Leadership Skills: Proven ability to manage, motivate, and lead teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment, with a strong focus on developing talent and building high-performing teams.
• Operational Expertise: Deep knowledge of manufacturing operations, continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.), and best practices for scaling production.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Strong analytical skills and a solutions-oriented mindset to identify and address operational challenges.
• Financial Acumen: Experience driving cost-efficiency and improving profitability while maintaining product quality.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence, collaborate, and report effectively across all levels of the organization. Bilingual in Spanish would be ideal.
• Education: A degree in Operations Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field. Advanced degrees or certifications (e.g., Six Sigma, PMP) are a plus.

Why Join Us?

• Impact: Be part of a company that's transforming the food manufacturing industry through innovation, sustainability, and top-tier product quality.
• Growth Opportunities: We are a company on the rise, and this position offers ample opportunities to shape the future of our operations.
• Culture: Join a passionate and dedicated team committed to excellence, integrity, and fostering an inclusive, collaborative work environment.
• Competitive Compensation: Attractive salary package, benefits, and bonus incentives.

How to Apply:

If you are an operations leader ready to take the next step in your career and make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your application with a resume and cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are the right fit for the role.

Palmer Candy Company is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.