The client is seeking an experienced Vice President of Operations to lead and oversee core operational functions at its facility in St. Stephen, New Brunswick. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the role will provide strategic leadership and help drive operational excellence while ensuring high standards of quality, efficiency, and safety. The position will oversee Manufacturing, Maintenance, Planning, Supply Chain, Quality, R&D, and Sanitation, supporting the organization’s business objectives through continuous improvement and cross-functional collaboration.
Key responsibilities include developing and implementing operational strategies to optimize manufacturing processes and enhance efficiency; setting performance goals and KPIs and monitoring progress; and building an organizational structure that supports accountability and ongoing improvement. The Vice President of Operations will ensure regulatory compliance and adherence to relevant food safety standards, enforce food safety protocols, and strengthen quality control measures to improve product quality and consistency. The role will also support production planning by collaborating with planning teams to develop schedules that meet demand while optimizing resources and minimizing waste, and will identify opportunities for process improvements, automation, and technology adoption to reduce costs and increase efficiency.
The role will include leading supply chain and related risk mitigation efforts to maintain continuity of operations, optimizing inventory management and procurement processes, and strengthening supplier relationships to support timely delivery of required inputs. The Vice President of Operations will lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, promote a culture of safety and teamwork, and emphasize continuous learning and inclusion within the department. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a related field such as Food Science, Engineering, or Business Administration (with a master’s degree as an asset), progressive experience in food manufacturing operations or a similar environment, and demonstrated senior leadership experience (at least 5 years) along with strong knowledge of food safety regulations and quality management systems, plus effective communication across organizational levels.