VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS (Project Management)
Are you ready to grow with a six-time US Best Managed Company and be part of something special? KENT Consumer Brands Americas has an exciting and rare opportunity to join our team as the Vice President of Operations! This critical senior leadership role will oversee the daily operations of the company's manufacturing in the Americas, ensuring that the organization is managed and performing safely, efficiently and effectively. In addition, the VP of Operations will oversee multiple sites across our growing Pet Care and Food & Beverage businesses, while also being responsible for developing and implementing operational strategies, managing resources, and ensuring compliance with industry regulations. As we step into a transformative new chapter, are you ready to lead with purpose and elevate our impact?
- This role will be based in Muscatine, Iowa.
PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Develop and implement operational strategies to achieve organizational goals and long-term operational excellence and culture.
- Oversee the management of resources, including personnel, equipment, and facilities across multiple sites.
- Ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards.
- Monitor and analyze operational performance, identifying areas for improvement. Deploy technologies to enable and facilitate data-based decisions-making and process improvements.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with R&D, Supply Chain, Commercial, and HR teams to ensure operational strategies are fully integrated with innovation pipelines, customer needs, and talent development priorities.
- Build a high-performing leadership pipeline by coaching, mentoring, and developing future-ready talent aligned with KENT's values and growth strategy.
- Drive manufacturing excellence, lean, and process improvement initiatives. Develop consistency across all sites.
- Lead and recommend large capital projects, as well as oversee the capital budget and assist in long-term capital planning.
- Oversee engineering, EHS (Environment, Health & Safety), quality assurance, and manufacturing operations across all sites.
- Manage budgets and financial performance, ensuring cost-effective operations.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including customers, suppliers, and regulatory bodies.
- Lead change management efforts to support organizational agility, cultural transformation, and scalable growth.
- Champion digital transformation initiatives, including smart manufacturing, automation, and data analytics to drive operational agility and transparency.
- Lead sustainability efforts across operations, focusing on waste reduction, energy efficiency, and responsible sourcing.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering or a related field; MBA preferred.
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in operations management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
- Strong understanding of industry regulations and standards.
- Proven track record of developing and implementing successful operational strategies.
- Experience overseeing multiple sites and driving manufacturing excellence, lean, and process improvement.
- Experience leading and recommending large capital projects.
- Excellent leadership and team management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to manage budgets and financial performance.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
