Job Description

We are partnered with a a dynamic, private equity-backed ingredients, flavors, and sauces company with ambitious growth plans to triple in size over the next few years . With a strong product portfolio and a growing customer base, we are seeking a seasoned operations leader to help scale the business while driving operational excellence, efficiency, and profitability.

Role Overview

This is a unique, hands-on executive role combining VP of Operations and General Manager responsibilities . The ideal candidate will have a strong operational background in the ingredients, flavors, or food production space and a proven track record of turnarounds and scaling businesses . You will be responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of operations manufacturing, supply chain, quality, logistics, and continuous improvement while partnering closely with the CEO and private equity investors to execute aggressive growth plans.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all day-to-day operations across manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, quality, and logistics.
• Develop and execute strategies to scale the business to $100M+ , ensuring operational processes and infrastructure keep pace with growth.
• Identify and implement operational improvements, including cost optimization, workflow automation, and process standardization.
• Drive turnaround initiatives for underperforming areas, ensuring sustainable improvements in efficiency, throughput, and profitability.
• Partner with private equity stakeholders on strategic initiatives, including M&A, capital projects, and operational performance metrics.
• Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams, instilling a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
• Oversee regulatory compliance, food safety standards, and quality assurance programs across all manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• Collaborate with sales, marketing, and R&D teams to ensure operational alignment with business growth objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven operational leadership in the ingredients, flavors, or food production industries.
• Hands-on experience in high-growth and/or turnaround environments , preferably in a private equity-backed business.
• Strong financial acumen , with experience managing budgets, P&L, and operational KPIs.
• Experience leading multi-site manufacturing or co-manufacturing networks a plus.
• Exceptional problem-solving, project management, and people leadership skills .
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with multiple competing priorities.
• Bachelors degree required; MBA or advanced business degree preferred.

Why Join

• Opportunity to shape the operations of a high-growth, PE-backed company with ambitious expansion plans.
• Work closely with seasoned leadership and investors to execute strategic initiatives and make a tangible impact.
• Lead a passionate, high-performing team dedicated to excellence and innovation in the ingredients and flavors industry.

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