Vice President, Global Manufacturing Operations

Sysco • Franklin Township, NJ

273d

About The Position

The Vice President (VP) of Global Manufacturing Operations will be a senior leader responsible for overseeing and managing the day-to-day operations of the Manufacturing functions within Gilchrist & Soames. Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President (SVP), General Manager of Gilchrist & Soames, the VP of Manufacturing Operations will be responsible for driving operational excellence, ensuring product quality, optimizing manufacturing processes, and leading teams across multiple plant locations. This individual will be a key strategic partner to the SVP, General Manager, focusing on operational performance and execution, while aligning manufacturing and procurement strategies with the overall commercial goals of the business.

Requirements

• Bachelor Degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing or Industrial Engineering or a technical degree in related discipline; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Master's Degree in Business Administration preferred.
• Knowledge of Six Sigma, ISO 9001:2008 and KPI-driven Management Operating System.
• 12+ years of experience in manufacturing management, preferably in a process-oriented operations and/or related industry.
• Global experience required.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of Sysco's key business metrics and systems - preferred.
• Proficient use of MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access and Outlook).
• Familiarity with Forecasting and Demand Planning and Data Mining applications.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for all global manufacturing operations, ensuring alignment with the company's business objectives and growth strategies.
• Collaborate closely with the SVP, General Manager to translate the commercial vision into practical manufacturing strategies that maximize production efficiency, reduce costs, and improve quality.
• Establish clear operational goals and objectives, drive continuous improvement and ensure operational performance meets or exceeds expectations.
• Oversee the procurement of raw materials and componentry necessary for direct manufacturing, ensuring manufacturing supply chain stability and timely delivery of inputs to meet production schedules.
• Partner with sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure manufacturing operations are aligned with demand forecasts, customer expectations, and product delivery timelines.
• Collaborate with the finance team to assess investment needs, evaluate capital expenditures, and track the ROI of manufacturing initiatives.
• Act as a key voice in executive leadership meetings, providing updates on manufacturing performance, challenges, and opportunities.
• Stay informed on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in manufacturing operations.
• Evaluate and implement innovative technologies to enhance manufacturing capabilities, improve efficiency, and reduce production costs.
• Lead the integration of new manufacturing technologies and digital tools to increase agility and competitiveness.
• Ensure that manufacturing processes and products meet industry standards, regulatory requirements, and internal quality control standards.
• Oversee the implementation of quality assurance processes to maintain product consistency and meet customer expectations.
• Liaison with domestic and international 3rd Party manufacturers to ensure all corporate standards, regulatory requirements, quality processes and controls meet expectations.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations and lead initiatives to create a safe and compliant manufacturing environment.
• Develop and manage the manufacturing and procurement operations budget, ensuring that the division operates within financial parameters while achieving cost-reduction targets and improving overall profitability.
• Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess manufacturing efficiency, quality, safety, and cost effectiveness.
• Implement cost control measures and identify opportunities for cost reduction without compromising on quality or safety.
• Ensure that appropriate staffing levels are maintained to meet the operational demands and growth objectives of the manufacturing parts of the business.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of plant manager(s), engineer(s), and operational staff, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous development.
• Drive employee engagement initiatives to maintain a motivated workforce and ensure the retention of top talent within the manufacturing function.
• Lead efforts to improve operational efficiency by streamlining manufacturing processes, implementing lean manufacturing practices, and reducing waste.
• Oversee the deployment of technology and automation systems to enhance production capabilities and maintain competitive advantage in the market.
• Work with cross-functional teams to optimize supply chain operations and ensure the timely delivery of high-quality products.
• Champion continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging Six Sigma, Lean, or other methodologies to drive operational efficiency and product quality.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Industry: Merchant Wholesalers, Nondurable Goods
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree