VP, Technical Services & Quality Innovation

Westrock Coffee Company; Little Rock (AR); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Westrock Coffee Company seeks a strategic and hands-on Vice President of Technical Services to direct Engineering, Capital Projects, FSQA, Product Realization, and R&D across its manufacturing platforms. You will align technical initiatives with business strategy, build bench strength, and ensure safety, quality, and scalable operations.

You will lead plant engineering, implement lean programs, manage multi-site capital investments, and drive new product realization from concept to launch,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering, Food Science, Chemistry, or related technical field required; MBA or technical master's preferred.
• 15+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing, engineering, quality, or R&D leadership within food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods.
• Experience leading multi-site technical organizations and managing large-scale capital projects.

Responsibilities

• Set strategic direction and annual operating priorities for the Technical Services organization.
• Build and lead a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team across Engineering, Capital Projects, FSQA, Product Realization, and R&D.
• Participate in senior leadership planning, budgeting, and risk management.
• Establish KPIs and governance for safety, quality, project delivery across all technical functions.
• Coach and mentor leaders and identify succession plans and talent development.
• Oversee plant and process engineering for safe, reliable, and efficient operations.
• Apply Lean Manufacturing to drive continuous improvement, automation, and reliability.
• Lead capital planning, equipment start-ups, and ROI tracking; design and execution of new lines and facilities.
• Translate product concepts into manufacturable products with effective stage-gate management.
• Ensure compliance with food safety, quality systems, and regulatory certifications across sites.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Cross-functional collaboration

Lean manufacturing

People development

Communication

Education

Bachelor's in engineering/related technical field

Job description

Westrock Coffee Company seeks a strategic and hands-on Vice President of Technical Services to direct Engineering, Capital Projects, FSQA, Product Realization, and R&D across its manufacturing platforms. You will align technical initiatives with business strategy, build bench strength, and ensure safety, quality, and scalable operations.

You will lead plant engineering, implement lean programs, manage multi-site capital investments, and drive new product realization from concept to launch,