Job Summary

The Vice President of Operations provides leadership and strategic direction for all operational functions within our salami and snack manufacturing facilities. This role oversees all production, maintenance, and continuous improvement teams and activities to ensure consistent delivery of safe, high-quality products. The VP of Operations drives operational excellence, efficiency, and innovation while fostering a culture of safety, collaboration, and accountability.

This role is part of the leadership team and will provide operations expertise to directly impact company strategy, align resources and structures, and ensure communication throughout the organization.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities (not Restrictive)

Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company goals for growth, quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Oversee capacity planning, throughput, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Lead day-to-day operations across production, curing, packaging, maintenance and safety.
Partner with Quality, Sales and other leaders to ensure full compliance with USDA/FSIS regulations, HACCP, GMPs, as well as customer requirements; uphold the highest standards of product integrity and traceability.
Partner with leaders and use continuous improvement expertise to assess and drive initiatives in areas such as automation, line and process optimization, etc.
Develop, monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as yield, OEE, labor efficiency, waste levels, and throughput.
Develop annual operating plans, capital budgets, and long-term capacity strategies; lead capital projects including facility expansions, equipment upgrades, and new technology installations.
Manage cost controls, productivity initiatives, and overhead reduction to meet financial targets.
Build, lead, and develop high-performing teams with clear communication, expectations, effective training programs and accountability. Partner with HR to implement or update programs that recognize and reward performance.
Assess talent and organizational structure to ensure strong leadership coverage and workforce capability.
Champion a world-class employee safety culture in alignment with OSHA and company standards.
Ensure all operations meet environmental, sustainability, and regulatory requirements.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This role directly manages plant leadership positions, and indirectly manages all hourly team members within the same teams.

Education, Training

Qualification & Experience Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Food Science, Operations Management or related field; Masters degree preferred.

Experience Required

Minimum of 12 years of leadership experience in food manufacturing, including leading at an executive or plant-wide level.
Experience in RTE meat, specialty cured meats, or protein processing; or similar industry.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Strong understanding of meat curing, fermentation, drying, and packaging processes.
Expertise in USDA/FSIS regulations, HACCP, and food safety management systems.
Demonstrated success in leading large teams and driving operational transformation.
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, or CI methodologies.
Excellent financial acumen, ability to transform strategy into action, and lead through change.

Language, Computer & Numeracy

Strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; Redzone experience highly preferred.
Clear communicator with ability to work cross-functionally and influence at all levels.

Pay Range : $190,000-$230,000 per year

Starting rate of pay may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, position offered, location, education, training, and/or experience.

Olli Salumeria

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