We have an opportunity for a full-time VP of Operations for a private equity-owned food produce company in Minneapolis, MN. The company processes fruits and vegetables for retail and food service customers. The facility has about 450 employees. The plant uses a combination of manual (hand cutting and packing fruits and vegetables) and automated processes.

Objective:

The Vice President of Operations will oversee the planning, development, and execution of operational strategies. This role will align operational processes with the company's goals, enhance productivity, and ensure the highest quality of service delivery. The VP of Operations will collaborate closely with other executives, departments, and stakeholders to implement and monitor operational best practices and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

Essential Job Functions:

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the company’s business objectives.
• Drive innovation and operational excellence across all departments.
• Collaborate with the executive team to contribute to the company’s vision and long-term goals.
• Oversee daily operations of all departments, ensuring high-quality performance and compliance with regulations and standards.
• Establish and monitor KPIs to measure operational efficiency and drive continuous improvement.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
• Implement training programs to enhance team skills and operational competencies.
• Develop and manage the annual operations budget, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Optimize resource allocation and utilization across departments to maximize efficiency and minimize costs.
• Identify and implement process improvements to enhance workflow, reduce costs, and improve overall service delivery.
• Partner with IT and other departments to leverage technology solutions that support operational efficiency.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including suppliers, partners, and customers.
• Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and business meetings to promote operational initiatives.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• ?Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operations management, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Proven track record of successfully managing large-scale operations and leading transformative initiatives.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and make data-driven decisions.
• Exceptional leadership and people management abilities, focusing on team development and collaboration.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.
• Knowledge of industry best practices, regulatory requirements, and safety standards.
• Management consulting experience a plus
• Must be authorized to work within the US and have unrestricted work authorization for the US