Vice President of Operations, Protein Manufacturing

About the Company: High-growth protein manufacturer operating seven meat and seafood plants across the U.S.Industry Food Production Type Privately Held

About the Role: The Company is in search of a Vice President of Operations with a focus on protein manufacturing. The successful candidate will be a proven executive leader with a deep background in protein operations, ready to scale a high-growth enterprise. This role is pivotal in driving the operational vision, financial growth, and strategic execution across multiple meat and seafood plants. Key responsibilities include owning and executing the Annual Operating Plan, driving EBIT margin performance, and shaping long-range planning across production, logistics, and supply chain. The VP of Operations will also be responsible for leading a team of General Managers and a Sr. Director of Continuous Improvement, championing cross-functional alignment, and developing a culture of high trust and continuous improvement. Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years' of executive operations leadership, with a specific focus on the protein industry, including meat, poultry, or seafood. The role requires advanced P&L and business acumen, high-impact leadership, and the ability to mentor and develop senior managers. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in multi-site manufacturing, plant operations, and processing facilities, and be adept at optimizing processes across warehousing, fleet transportation, and labor allocation. A strategic vision, decisive decision-making, and a reputation for developing high-performing teams are essential. The position demands a hands-on approach, with a willingness to travel extensively to US facilities. Functions Operations