Senior Vice President Operations

The Sterling Choice; California (MO); On-site; USD 250,000 - 350,000; Full time

Job summary

The Sterling Choice is partnering with a private equity-backed food manufacturing business to appoint a Senior Vice President of Manufacturing to lead a complex, multi-site operation in California. This is a rare opportunity to join the executive leadership team driving operational excellence and long-term value creation.

The role blends strategic vision with hands-on execution—building high-performing teams and delivering measurable results across the network, including capital investments and

Qualifications

• Experience leading multi-site manufacturing networks.
• Background in private equity-backed environments or large transformations.
• Executive leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Knowledge of manufacturing strategy and capital investment.

Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-site manufacturing network.
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategy aligned to business objectives.
• Drive operational excellence, productivity and continuous improvement.
• Build and develop high-performing manufacturing leadership teams.
• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Commercial and Finance.
• Support capital investment, network optimisation and future growth initiatives.
• Champion a culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement.

Skills

Multi-site leadership

Lean manufacturing

Operational excellence

Strategic planning

Capital investment

Executive leadership

Supply chain integration

Job description

Multi-Site Food Manufacturing | Private Equity Backed |

We're partnering with a private equity-backed food manufacturing business to appoint an experienced Senior Vice President of Manufacturing to lead a complex, multi-site manufacturing operation during an exciting period of growth and transformation.

This is a rare opportunity to join the executive leadership team of a business investing in operational excellence, manufacturing capability and long-term value creation.

We're looking for a leader who combines strategic vision with operational execution—someone who has successfully led manufacturing organisations through change, developed high-performing teams and consistently delivered measurable business results.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a multi-site manufacturing network.
• Develop and execute manufacturing strategy aligned to business objectives.
• Drive operational excellence, productivity and continuous improvement.
• Build and develop high-performing manufacturing leadership teams.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Commercial and Finance.
• Support capital investment, network optimisation and future growth initiatives.
• Champion a culture of accountability, safety and continuous improvement.

We're Interested in Leaders with Experience in:

• Multi-site food manufacturing
• Ingredients, bakery, dry ingredients, premix, flavours or seasonings
• Manufacturing transformation
• Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement
• Capital investment
• Operational Excellence
• Supply Chain integration
• Executive leadership within complex manufacturing environments

Ideal Background

Current or recent experience as a:

• Senior Vice President Manufacturing
• Vice President Manufacturing
• Vice President Operations
• Chief Operations Officer
• Senior Director Manufacturing
• Senior Director Operations

Experience within a private equity-backed business or leading significant operational transformation programmes would be highly advantageous.

Location

California

Local candidates are preferred, however suitable relocation package also available.

Compensation

An executive compensation package will be tailored to reflect the experience and calibre of the successful candidate.