Key Details:
- Build scalable systems, automate for the future, and lead 800+ in a high-growth, hands-on role
- Onsite position in Southern California, leading operations across the US
- High-impact role reporting to President in a family-owned, vertically-integrated business
About the Role
As Vice President of Operations, Value-Added, you will serve as the strategic and operational leader for a nationwide network of fresh-cut processing facilities. This executive role is responsible for transforming and scaling value-added manufacturing through process innovation, automation, and a culture of continuous improvement. You will oversee cross-functional teams across production, food safety, quality, maintenance, and supply chain—driving alignment, accountability, and operational excellence. Reporting directly to the company President, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the organization’s growth trajectory and long-term success in the fresh-cut category.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all value-added operations across multiple U.S. facilities to achieve performance in quality, throughput, safety, and profitability.
- Develop and execute a national operations strategy, including supply chain optimization, plant standardization, and expansion models.
- Oversee capital planning and automation initiatives using IRR-based evaluation and project management best practices.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams (sales, harvesting, food safety, HR, production, packaging) to build a “One Team” culture and shared KPIs.
- Drive continuous improvement, cost reduction, and innovation across all areas of processing and packaging.
- Provide technical and operational leadership for all plant upgrades, equipment investments, and facility designs.
- Ensure compliance with all food safety, quality assurance, EH&S, and regulatory standards.
- Serve as a visible leader and coach across 800+ employees, creating a high-performance culture rooted in accountability and results.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in food manufacturing or fresh-cut produce
- Proven success managing multi-site operations and large frontline workforces
- Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, automation, and project execution
- Experience leading capital improvement initiatives and supply chain optimization
- Strong cross-functional leadership and team integration skills
- Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
- Spanish proficiency strongly preferred
- High level of business acumen, professionalism, and cultural sensitivity