Kincannon & Reed has been retained to recruit the Vice President, Operations headquartered in New Jersey. Our client is seeking a skilled Operations leader with a strong work ethic and an uncompromising commitment to product excellence to lead the growth of their renowned Bakery.
The Company
If you believe all bakery products are commodities, stop reading now. This Company operates from three facilities in the New Jersey/New York City area. All facilities have the highest standards for Occupational Safety and Food Safety (SQF). Most products- which now include Pitas, Lavash, Flatbreads, Buns, Pizza Crusts, are made with clean and non-GMO ingredients, and are processed with plenty of fermentation and “Old Fashioned Excellence”. The innovative and highly automated baking equipment, has in many cases, been co-designed by the Team to help them maintain their position, and edge, as America’s Flatbread Leader. The Company’s customer/partner list includes many of America’s top-tier food establishments, including Chick-Fil-A; Starbucks, Panera, Costco, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and Wegman’s to name a few.
The Company will tell you that its greatest asset lies within their 350 employees, some who have been ‘part of the Family’ for 30+ years. They take great pride in being recognized during each of the last five years as “One of the Best Places to Work”.
In addition to Baking a Difference, they are busy Making a Difference, as it is a company committed to Growth, Ethical Standards, Sustainability, and Charity.
The Position
To better address its growth agenda and reduce the Owner’s involvement in day-to-day operations, the Company is adding a new position to its senior leadership team. The Vice President, Operations will have direct responsibility for the operations of the company and oversee Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality Assurance, Information Technology, and Inventory/Warehousing. This individual will have an owner’s mentality and hands-on work ethic to help grow the business in a way that remains true to the Company’s vision and mission.
Specific responsibilities include:
This position reports to the CEO/Owner and will have offices in two locations. The position is supported by a team of 10 direct reports and a total staff of over 300. Travel is minimal.
Candidate Profile
The VP, Operations must be a strategic and adaptive thinker and doer who has experienced managing multiple facilities and a strong affinity for the workforce. He/she will have a strong understanding of operations. His/her people assessment, recruiting, selection and development skills are critical. The ideal candidate will have a “roll-up-your-sleeves” management style and possess strong interpersonal skills that are equally effective in a boardroom, with customers, and with plant employees.
Experience & Skills:
Personal characteristics:
Education level: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject is required, MBA is a plus.