POSITION: Vice President of Operations

JOB LOCATION:  St. Louis, MO area

DIRECT REPORTS: 6

REPORTS TO: CEO

TRAVEL: Domestic, ~20-30%

The VP of Operations will lead the company’s manufacturing and supply chain strategy and execution with a clear focus on scalable growth, best-in-class operational performance, and cultural leadership within the consumer product industry.

This role reports to the CEO and is responsible for aligning day-to-day operations with long-term strategic goals, ensuring a continually improving performance across manufacturing, distribution, procurement, and supply chain.

The ideal candidate brings a proven track record in leading complex, multi-site operations, with deep expertise in Lean culture and tool deployment, sourcing, and domestic manufacturing. Beyond operational acumen, this leader must be a champion of people, performance, and culture—shaping a high-accountability environment where teams are empowered to deliver results.

• Defining and executing the company’s operational vision in alignment with growth goals and strategic plans
• Serving as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team on matters related to operations, supply chain, and company performance
• Key participant in cross-functional collaboration with Commercial and Product Development to drive innovation and speed to market
• Overseeing all manufacturing, distribution, and quality operations across all manufacturing locations
• Directing site optimization initiatives including rationalization, consolidation, and expansion
• Leading integrated operations and sales support functions
• Building and leading a culture of excellence, accountability, and engagement at all operational levels
• Driving leadership development, succession planning, and talent optimization across all functions
• Owning operational P&L performance across all sites
• Developing and managing annual budgets, capital plans, and long-term financial forecasts
• Establishing performance metrics and implementing action plans and necessary countermeasures to ensure continuous improvement and profitability
• Leading integrated operations and sales support functions, ensuring seamless alignment between production, order fulfilment, and customer service to drive execution across all channels
• Identifying, leading, and scaling operational initiatives that enhance product performance, streamline processes, and directly contribute to revenue growth and margin improvement
• Stewarding mergers and acquisitions from an operational lens, ensuring seamless integration, synergy realization, and long-term value creation
• Optimizing domestic and global supply chains to support product diversity and customer expectations
• Partnering with vendors and key customers to ensure superior execution and cost service delivery
• Implementing best-in-class inventory management strategies to enhance cash flow and reduce waste
• Leading Lean and continuous improvement initiatives across all operational channels
• Championing Kaizen activities and 5S programs to enhance throughput, quality, and efficiency
• Embedding a problem-solving culture that empowers employees at all levels

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Supply Chain or related field.  MBA or advanced degree is strongly preferred
• Extensive executive leadership experience (10+ years) in scaling multi-site operations with more than 500 employees, preferably as a VP of Operations, Director of Operations or Plant Manager with full scale manufacturing and distribution responsibility
• Consumer product industry beneficial; high volume, high mix manufacturing experience required
• Demonstrated success managing multi-site operations, leading Lean transformation initiatives, and driving scalable growth
• Proven expertise in P&L ownership, financial planning, and capital investment strategy within complex organizations
• In-depth knowledge of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement methodologies and international supply chain optimization
• Expert Lean tool experience including 80/20, Lean Leadership, including Daily Management, KPI Leadership, Standard Work, Gemba Walks, Value Stream Mapping, 6S, Transactional Process Improvements, Kanban/replenishment systems, FMEA, Advanced Problem Solving, RCCMs
• Strong background in sourcing and procurement, with a track record of enhancing efficiency and value across the supply chain
• Skilled in building and developing high-performing teams, succession planning, and fostering a performance-driven culture
• Exceptional communicator and collaborator, with the ability to influence across executive, cross-functional, and external stakeholder groups
• Strategic mindset with a hands-on approach, capable of balancing long-term vision with day-to-day operational excellence

• Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. It will include a base salary and an annual performance bonus, long term incentives, and other benefits and perquisites.