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Relocation to Evansville, IN

A large, established food manufacturer is seeking an Executive Vice President of Operations, Engineering & Maintenance to lead manufacturing strategy and execution at its flagship facility and corporate headquarters.

This is a high-impact executive opportunity for a hands‑on manufacturing leader who thrives in complex food production environments and wants to shape the future of a growing, highly automated operation. The EVP will be a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and lead Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Capital Projects, and Continuous Improvement across a large-scale manufacturing environment.

The ideal candidate brings strong food manufacturing leadership, deep operational and equipment knowledge, and a proven ability to build high-performing teams while improving safety, quality, service, productivity, and financial performance.

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategy in alignment with business objectives, growth plans, and long-term operational goals.
• Provide executive leadership across Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Thermal Processing, Sanitation, Capital Projects, and Continuous Improvement.
• Drive measurable improvements in food safety, quality, customer service, labor productivity, cost, equipment reliability, and manufacturing throughput.
• Lead capital planning, automation initiatives, engineering projects, facility improvements, and equipment modernization efforts.
• Ensure plant capacity, maintenance programs, engineering resources, and production capabilities support current customer demand and future growth.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs that support informed decision-making, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build, coach, and develop operational leadership teams while creating a culture of ownership, collaboration, accountability, and employee engagement.
• Partner closely with Quality, Food Safety, Supply Chain, Finance, R&D, Sales, and Human Resources to align manufacturing capabilities with organizational priorities.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing, waste reduction, process optimization, TPM, and operational excellence initiatives.
• Lead organizational change initiatives that improve flexibility, profitability, manufacturing capability, and long-term competitiveness.
• Maintain strong standards for food safety, employee safety, regulatory compliance, environmental stewardship, and customer requirements.
• Interface with customers, suppliers, and strategic partners to support commercialization, operational initiatives, and customer satisfaction.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Manufacturing, Business, or a related field. MBA or advanced degree preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience within food manufacturing.
• Senior-level leadership experience overseeing Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and capital projects.
• Experience leading large-scale manufacturing operations in a shelf‑stable, retort, hot‑fill, pouch, tray, or other FDA‑regulated food production environment.
• Strong understanding of food safety systems and regulatory requirements, including HACCP, FSMA, GMPs, SQF or BRC, OSHA, and related standards.
• Demonstrated success improving manufacturing efficiency, cost structure, throughput, equipment reliability, service levels, and plant performance.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, TPM, Six Sigma, and KPI‑driven performance management.
• Strong financial acumen, including operating budgets, capital expenditures, cost optimization, and ROI analysis.
• Experience leading automation projects, engineering initiatives, equipment upgrades, and facility improvements.
• Proven ability to lead diverse hourly workforces and build high‑performing leadership teams.
• A visible, servant‑leadership style with the ability to set high standards, coach leaders, and create accountability with respect.
• Comfortable working in a hands‑on manufacturing environment and spending meaningful time on the production floor.

• Executive‑level role with direct visibility to the President and senior leadership team.
• Lead operations at a large‑scale, approximately 1,000‑employee manufacturing facility.
• Drive meaningful automation, modernization, and capacity‑growth initiatives.
• Influence long‑term operational strategy and business growth.
• Join a business with strong institutional knowledge and long‑tenured operational leadership.
• Significant autonomy and direct ability to influence plant performance, culture, and operational direction.

• Competitive Base Salary plus short and long‑term incentive packages
• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with employer match up to 4.5%
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage
• Tuition reimbursement
• Wellness clinic and Employee Assistance Program
• Supplemental insurance options

Sarah Rowland-Varner