Vice President of Manufacturing
Position Description
The Vice President of Manufacturing will report to the CEO, and will collaborate with the Chief Technology Officer. This role is responsible for leading, further developing and building on a talented group of team members, and for supporting the operation and expansion of a protein ingredient manufacturing facility near Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This role is pivotal to the success of the company and involves directing all aspects of production, warehouse, logistics, maintenance, safety, process and product quality control, operational performance metrics, capital and operating expense management, and continuous improvement. The company is searching for a process-oriented leader who will make data-driven decisions in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and is interested in increasing responsibilities as the company’s growth rate accelerates.
Preferred Qualifications:
Responsibilities:
● Lead all aspects of production and related operations
● Assure the company employs the right people in the right places doing the right things
● Hire / train employees to be accountable for standard operating procedures and company values
● Manage employee performance against goals, technical skills and value demonstration on a frequent basis, including improvement plans and termination, as required
● Schedule resources appropriately to meet the needs of production, warehousing, and logistics
● Create standard work and work standards
● Deliver high-quality products on time and on budget
● Analyze and report on key operational metrics in alignment with the company’s objectives
● Assure the highest quality handling, processing, and storage of final products and raw materials
● Manage production schedules, work instructions, and production inventories
● Inspect, analyze and recommend ways of improving production quality and efficiency
● Lead by example and support planning for personnel and facility safety
● Support compliance with all company policies and federal, state and local regulations, including OSHA
● Support compliance with all feed / food safety, quality and sanitation requirements, including FSMA and SQF
● Support maintenance activities by assessing equipment operating reliability and perform routine repairs, adjustments, and troubleshooting
● Manage month-end and cycle inventory counts to assure book-to-physical inventory reconciliation
● Serve as an active participant and leader in meetings and training
● Collaborate cross-functionally
● Delegate appropriately
Required Qualifications:
● B.S. in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering or Industrial Microbiology
● 5-10 years of management experience in a biological-based manufacturing environment, such as fermentation, enzyme processing, or feed or food ingredient production
● Experience with Lean Six Sigma principles
● Computer skills, including Microsoft Office
● Demonstration of data-driven decision making
● Knowledge of quality systems and standards
● Strong communication and team building skills
● High ethical standards and professional behavior
● Coaching, mentoring and motivational skills to drive others to want to be their best
● Highly organized, process-driven and detail-oriented
● Experience with individual and team accountability to meet business expectations for manufacturing operations
● Current with the emerging landscape of manufacturing technologies
● Ability to multi-task, think creatively, and delegate to assure goals are accomplished on time