Head of Plant Operations - Food Manufacturing

MBC Talent Connections; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

MBC Talent Connections is sourcing a Vice President of Operations for a Washington, DC area food manufacturer. This onsite role leads plant operations, setting the vision for safety, quality, and productivity while building strong teams and systems to deliver results.

The successful candidate has hands-on food manufacturing leadership, drives continuous improvement, and partners with cross-functional leaders to meet growth and financial goals.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in progressive leadership in food manufacturing
• 5+ years in direct production or plant operations management
• Strong knowledge of food manufacturing processes, food safety, GMPs, quality systems, and compliance
• Experience leading high-volume or complex manufacturing operations
• Demonstrated success improving productivity, efficiency, quality, and cost
• Solid understanding of plant maintenance, equipment reliability, safety, and facility operations
• Proven ability to build, develop, and retain strong leadership teams
• Experience setting performance standards and driving a continuous improvement culture
• Sound business judgment, balancing operational needs with financial goals
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience with manufacturing ERP systems

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing operations and build a culture of safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support growth and financial objectives
• Oversee production, maintenance, quality, inventory, distribution, and related functions
• Set and track KPIs, budgets, and performance goals
• Improve throughput, efficiency, labor utilization, product quality, and operating costs
• Ensure all processes meet quality, food safety, regulatory, and customer standards
• Strengthen operational systems, policies, procedures, and internal controls
• Drive projects that increase equipment reliability, facility performance, and production capacity
• Promote collaboration across manufacturing, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and distribution
• Coach and develop plant leaders and production management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Food Science, Manufacturing, Operations, or a related field (or equivalent combination of education and experience)

Master's degree or advanced business/operations education preferred

Tools

Microsoft Office

Manufacturing ERP systems

Job description

MBC Talent Connections is sourcing a Vice President of Operations for a Washington, DC area food manufacturer. This onsite role leads plant operations, setting the vision for safety, quality, and productivity while building strong teams and systems to deliver results.

The successful candidate has hands-on food manufacturing leadership, drives continuous improvement, and partners with cross-functional leaders to meet growth and financial goals.