VP Manufacturing

Vice President of Manufacturing

Upper Central Midwest $220K-$260K Base + Bonus + Relocation Multi-Site Food Manufacturing 250+ FTEs

We are leading the search for a Vice President of Manufacturing to join a thriving, privately held, mid-sized national food manufacturing company ($100MM+ revenue), recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit, team-oriented leadership, and strong growth trajectory through innovation and new product development.

About the Role

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the VP of Manufacturing will oversee and optimize all aspects of manufacturing operations across two facilities and a workforce of 300+ employees. This role requires a servant-leader mindset, with proven success managing multi-site food production environments, especially in snacks, bakery, or confectionery segments.

You'll lead operational strategy, drive process improvement, and ensure excellence in safety, quality, efficiency, and team development-positioning the company for continued success in a highly competitive market.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Direct daily operations across both plants, ensuring consistent, high-quality food production that meets industry and regulatory standards.
• Strategic Execution: Partner with senior leadership to develop and implement strategies that support sustainable growth, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Production Optimization: Identify and implement best practices to reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and streamline workflows.
• Quality & Compliance: Uphold world-class standards for food safety and quality assurance; ensure compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
• Financial Performance: Own full P&L responsibility for manufacturing; drive profitability while maintaining operational integrity and product excellence.
• Team Development: Lead, coach, and empower a high-performing team, including 2 Plant Managers and frontline production leaders.
• Culture & Safety: Foster a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused work environment built on collaboration, accountability, and respect.

Requirements

• Experience: 7+ years of progressive leadership in food manufacturing, including 3+ years in a senior operations role; multi-site management required.
• Industry Knowledge: Background in snacks, bakery, or confectionery strongly preferred.
• Leadership: Servant-leader with a collaborative mindset and proven success developing high-performance teams.
• Operational Expertise: Skilled in Lean, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Analytical Mindset: Data-driven problem solver with a strategic approach to challenges.
• Financial Acumen: Experience managing plant P&Ls, cost containment, and margin improvement.
• Communication: Strong communicator, capable of aligning cross-functional teams around shared goals.
• Education: Degree in Operations Management, Business, Engineering, or related field; advanced certifications (Six Sigma, PMP, etc.) are a plus.

Benefits

Compensation & Perks

• Salary: $220,000 - $260,000 base + bonus potential
• Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package, relocation support, and strong company culture