Vice President of Operations - Plant Manufacturing
1 day ago
Orange
Job Description Vice President of Operations – Plant Manufacturing Location: Anaheim, CA Reports to: CEO Classification: Full-Time, Exempt Role Summary Nature’s Flavors is seeking a seasoned, strategic, and hands-on Vice President of Operations to lead our plant manufacturing operations. This executive role oversees all aspects of production, quality, safety, logistics, and facility management within our natural and organic flavor manufacturing environment. We’re looking for a proven leader who has successfully held senior operations roles in food and beverage manufacturing and is ready to bring that expertise to a growing, values-driven company. The ideal candidate thrives in the details—walking the floor, building trust with frontline teams, and leading by example. You’ll embody servant leadership, balancing strategic oversight with direct involvement to drive operational excellence, regulatory compliance, and cross-functional performance. This is a unique opportunity to join Nature’s Flavors at a pivotal stage of growth, helping scale our plant capabilities while reinforcing brand values, food safety standards, and employee well-being. Key Responsibilities Shipping & Fulfillment • Lead outbound logistics, carrier relationships, and delivery performance, • Ensure timely, accurate, and cost-effective shipments across channels, • Monitor packing standards, documentation, and customer satisfaction Quality Control • Uphold product integrity and compliance with GMP, SQF, and food safety standards, • Lead internal audits, corrective actions, and continuous improvement initiatives, • Maintain documentation and readiness for customer and regulatory inspections Production • Oversee daily production schedules, staffing, and throughput, • Optimize efficiency, minimize downtime, and implement lean manufacturing practices, • Align production capacity with demand forecasts and strategic goals Supply Chain • Manage procurement, vendor relationships, and raw material availability, • Monitor lead times, cost controls, and inventory accuracy, • Collaborate with R&D and Sales to support innovation and responsiveness Safety & Compliance • Champion a proactive safety culture and ensure adherence to OSHA, FDA, and internal protocols, • Oversee training, incident reporting, and regulatory documentation, • Conduct regular safety audits and implement corrective measures Sanitation • Ensure sanitation procedures meet food safety and regulatory standards, • Oversee cleaning schedules, chemical usage, and sanitation team performance, • Maintain documentation for inspections and audit readiness Maintenance • Lead preventive maintenance programs and equipment reliability strategies, • Coordinate repairs, upgrades, and capital improvement projects, • Ensure compliance with environmental and operational standards Warehouse Operations • Oversee receiving, storage, and internal transfers with a focus on traceability and efficiency, • Optimize space utilization, inventory control, and material handling systems, • Support lot tracking, FIFO practices, and audit readiness Leadership & Team Development • Model hands-on leadership by engaging directly with plant teams and daily operations, • Foster a culture of accountability, respect, and continuous improvement, • Practice servant leadership by removing obstacles, supporting growth, and listening actively, • Mentor supervisors and team leads to build operational depth and resilience, • Promote cross-functional collaboration and transparent communication Data & Systems • Maintain accurate operational data across ERP and reporting systems, • Use metrics to drive performance, identify gaps, and support strategic decisions, • Ensure documentation supports traceability, compliance, and continuous improvement Mental Requirements & Skill Set • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail, • Excellent time management and ability to meet multiple deadlines, • High level of integrity and discretion with sensitive operational data, • Effective communication and leadership across departments and levels, • Adaptability to changing regulations, systems, and business needs, • Professional demeanor and emotional resilience in high-stakes situations Physical Requirements • Ability to move throughout an indoor office and production environment, including stair use, • Occasional lifting and carrying of items up to 50 pounds, • Frequent use of telephone, computer, and office equipment, • Prolonged periods of sitting, typing, and screen use, • Exposure to ambient noise and production activity Work Schedule This is a full-time, exempt executive role with a flexible schedule aligned to operational needs. Standard hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Additional availability may be required during peak production, audits, or urgent operational needs. This role requires a visible, hands-on presence across both office and plant environments. Compensation This is a highly compensated, exempt leadership role. Annual base salary range: $140,000 – $210,000, depending on experience, skillset, and scope of responsibility. Benefits Nature’s Flavors offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth: • Medical with vision Insurance, • 401(k) Retirement Plan, • Paid Time Off (PTO) – vacation, sick leave, and holiday schedule, • Employee Discount Program, • Wellness & Engagement Programs – seasonal events, wellness initiatives, and team-building activities, • Professional Development Support – training, certifications, and leadership growth, • Safe & Inclusive Work Environment – committed to GMP/SQF standards and employee care Qualifications • Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Engineering, Business, or related field (required), • 10+ years of experience in plant operations, preferably in food or flavor manufacturing, • Proven leadership in multi-functional plant environments, • Deep understanding of GMP, SQF, OSHA, and food safety standards, • Experience with ERP systems (e.g., NetSuite, QuickBooks) and process improvement tools, • Strong financial acumen and ability to manage budgets and forecasts, • Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply; multilingual communication is valued in our diverse workplace Interview Timeline Interviews will begin as early as October 15, 2025 and ending on 10/24/2025. Please provide your availability to interview when submitting your application. Equal Opportunity Statement Nature’s Flavors is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. Company DescriptionAt Nature’s Flavors, we’re crafting more than just incredible taste — we’re creating a better way to live. From natural flavors to vibrant fragrances, every product we make reflects our commitment to wellness, sustainability, and originality. Our mission is rooted in clean ingredients, bold creativity, and a deep respect for nature's richness.At Nature’s Flavors, we’re crafting more than just incredible taste — we’re creating a better way to live.\r\nFrom natural flavors to vibrant fragrances, every product we make reflects our commitment to wellness, sustainability, and originality. Our mission is rooted in clean ingredients, bold creativity, and a deep respect for nature's richness.