DescriptionPosition SummaryThe Vice President of Plant Operations is a key member of the Operations Leadership Team and is responsible for the strategic direction and execution of FreshDirect's manufacturing, fulfillment, warehousing, shipping, and inventory operations. This executive will lead large, cross-functional teams while driving operational excellence across a complex, high-volume food production and distribution environment.
The VP of Plant Operations will oversee day-to-day operations while developing long-term strategies that improve productivity, quality, safety, service, and profitability. This role carries full operational accountability, including workforce planning, production performance, inventory management, capital planning, continuous improvement initiatives, financial performance, and operational scalability to support company growth.
Essential FunctionsStrategic Planning & Operations Management- Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight for all plant operations, including production, warehousing, fulfillment, shipping, inventory control, and sanitation.
- Oversee all operational staff and ensure efficient day-to-day execution across multiple departments.
- Develop and execute operational strategies that support FreshDirect's growth, customer service objectives, and long-term business goals.
- Monitor and evaluate operational processes to identify opportunities for continuous improvement, increased efficiency, enhanced quality, and reduced costs.
- Drive plant-wide financial performance through full P&L ownership, including overhead management, labor optimization, productivity improvement, cost-per-order performance, and budget accountability.
- Develop, manage, and monitor annual operating budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure plans.
- Establish and track key operational KPIs and performance metrics related to safety, quality, productivity, labor efficiency, inventory accuracy, customer service, and financial performance.
- Lead manufacturing excellence initiatives utilizing Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other continuous improvement methodologies.
- Ensure compliance with all FDA, USDA, OSHA, SQF, HACCP, GMP, and applicable regulatory requirements while fostering a culture of food safety and workplace safety.
- Direct strategic planning for manufacturing capacity, facility optimization, automation, and operational scalability.
- Lead capital improvement projects from concept through implementation while ensuring return on investment objectives are achieved.
- Ensure all manufacturing, warehousing, and fulfillment processes are effectively planned, executed, measured, and continuously improved.
Leadership & People Management- Lead and develop a high-performing Operations Leadership Team while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Build a culture focused on safety, operational excellence, innovation, engagement, and customer satisfaction.
- Hold managers accountable for achieving departmental goals and operational performance metrics.
- Establish clear performance expectations and provide regular coaching, feedback, and performance evaluations.
- Develop succession planning and leadership development programs to strengthen organizational capability.
- Champion employee engagement initiatives that support retention and professional development.
- Promote effective communication across all levels of the organization through regular operational meetings and transparent leadership.
- Partner closely with Human Resources to support workforce planning, talent acquisition, organizational development, and employee relations.
Minimum Qualifications- Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience overseeing manufacturing, distribution, warehouse, or fulfillment operations within a complex, high-volume environment, preferably within food manufacturing, grocery, or consumer packaged goods.
- Demonstrated experience leading large-scale operations with full P&L responsibility.
- Proven success driving operational transformation, productivity improvements, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Extensive experience managing logistics, inventory flow, materials management, procurement planning, and supply chain operations.
- Strong experience leading high-growth organizations through operational scaling and process optimization.
- Extensive knowledge of high-volume pick, pack, production, and fulfillment environments where productivity, quality, and service metrics drive performance.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities- Executive-level understanding of manufacturing operations, warehouse management, distribution, logistics, inventory management, financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and operational strategy.
- Strong financial acumen with demonstrated experience managing complex operational budgets and driving profitability.
- Expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Proven ability to lead complex organizational change initiatives and large cross-functional teams.
- Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical problem-solving, decision-making, and executive communication skills.
- Experience with ERP, Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and operational technology integrations.
- Ability to manage a 24/7 production and fulfillment operation while balancing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
- Strong track record of improving operational KPIs, productivity, quality, safety, and customer service.
- Hands-on executive leadership style with the ability to inspire, motivate, coach, and develop leaders at all levels.
- Demonstrated ability to build accountability, foster innovation, and create a high-performance culture.
- Passion for developing future leaders through succession planning, mentorship, and career development.
This version elevates the role to an executive level, incorporates FreshDirect's brand and operational environment, emphasizes food manufacturing and fulfillment leadership, and aligns the responsibilities with what experienced VP-level operations candidates expect to see.
