NTER Talent

Vice President, Plant Operations

Location: New York

Industry: Manufacturing / Food Production & Distribution

About the Opportunity

Nter Talent is supporting the search for an experienced and results-driven Vice President, Plant Operations to lead and optimize manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, logistics, and inventory management functions for a growing organization.

This executive leadership role will be responsible for setting operational strategy, driving continuous improvement initiatives, overseeing financial performance, and developing high-performing teams across multiple operational disciplines. The successful candidate will play a key role in scaling operations, improving efficiency, and ensuring the organization is well-positioned for future growth.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Operational Leadership

• Develop and execute operational strategies that align with overall business objectives and long-term growth plans.
• Lead all manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, shipping, inventory control, and distribution activities.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs), operational metrics, and financial forecasts to evaluate business performance and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare, manage, and oversee annual operating budgets and forecasting processes.
• Drive operational excellence through the implementation of best practices, process improvements, and cost-reduction initiatives.
• Define, plan, implement, and measure outcomes for all manufacturing and operational processes.
• Ensure operational scalability as the business grows, maintaining industry-leading standards for quality, service, responsiveness, and cost efficiency.
• Partner with senior leadership to develop inventory management strategies and cost-control measures.
• Lead capital expenditure planning and project management initiatives, including facility expansion and operational infrastructure improvements.
• Monitor and evaluate existing processes to identify efficiency gains and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable regulatory, health, safety, and quality requirements.
• Maintain accountability for operational performance against budget and strategic objectives.
• Actively contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations leadership team.
• Create a culture of accountability, engagement, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear performance expectations and hold leaders accountable for results.
• Conduct performance reviews and provide ongoing coaching and development opportunities.
• Build leadership capability and succession plans across the operations function.
• Oversee recruitment, workforce planning, and organizational development initiatives.
• Foster effective communication across all levels of the organization through regular meetings and transparent information sharing.
• Champion employee engagement, safety, and professional development initiatives.

Qualifications

Required Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience managing complex manufacturing, logistics, distribution, or supply chain operations.
• Experience within the food manufacturing, food distribution, or consumer goods sector is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated success leading operations within a high-growth environment.
• Proven track record of implementing continuous improvement initiatives that drive measurable operational and financial results.
• Extensive experience managing high-volume warehousing, pick-and-pack, distribution, and inventory operations.
• Strong background in logistics, inventory flow management, materials planning, procurement, supplier negotiations, and purchasing processes.
• Experience leading organizational growth, facility transitions, or operational expansions is considered an asset.

Education

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Business, Finance, Supply Chain Management, Operations Management, or a related discipline.

Knowledge, Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional strategic thinking and business acumen.
• Strong financial leadership experience, including budgeting, forecasting, cost accounting, and P&L management.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver business improvement and operational excellence initiatives.
• Advanced knowledge of distribution centre operations, manufacturing processes, workforce planning, and project management.
• Experience with ERP systems and enterprise-wide system integrations.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a data-driven approach to decision-making.
• Ability to manage complex, fast-paced, 24/7 operational environments.
• Proven ability to drive accountability and performance across multiple levels of an organization.
• Hands-on leadership style with a willingness to engage directly with operational teams.
• Outstanding communication, coaching, and stakeholder management skills.
• High attention to detail with a strong focus on execution and results.
• Passion for developing people, building teams, and creating succession pathways.
• A dynamic and decisive leader who embraces innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.