SVP of Operations

About the Job

Responsible for Operations results. Will align the Operations group, developing processes to achieve business strategy and tactical cost improvement plans. Focus will be required in the areas of advanced procurement, cost improvement, supply chain, logistics and supplier innovation. Responsible for design and build-out out of world-class team. Responsible for setting and exceeding performance targets and goals, creating and evolving a strategy, tracking meaningful metrics, defining processes and reviewing and optimizing current logistical practices, to develop an industry leading distribution solution. Lead initiatives to promote sustainable operations, focusing on minimizing the environmental impact across the supply chain and manufacturing processes, in alignment with the company's commitment to sustainability.

What you will be Doing

• Works with Executive Team to drive business performance and support key strategies.
• Formulates effective and executable Operations strategies that align and support the company’s strategic direction.
• Research, identify and qualify suitable domestic and foreign suppliers.
• Oversee the integration and optimization of technology, including advanced data analytics, artificial intelligence, and machine learning, to enhance supply chain efficiency and predictive capabilities.
• Maintain rigorous compliance with local, national, and international regulations pertinent to the nutrition and supplements industry, ensuring all operations adhere to legal and ethical standards.
• Collaborate closely with R&D and marketing teams to ensure operational strategies are in sync with product development and market trends, fostering a cohesive approach to business growth.
• Ensure excellent supplier management encompassing quality, on time delivery, responsiveness and cost.
• Work with procurement to measure supplier performance and to ensure supplier qualifications.
• Responsible for ensuring quality metrics and vendor performance.
• Forecast future movements in supply chain key metrics.
• Work with finance group to explore innovative ways of reducing cost and risk in the supply chain.
• Raw materials planning and effective finished good inventory management.
• Will lead and maintain a reliable, market-responsive and cost-effective supply chain group by focusing on customer service and high fill rates.
• Teach technical aspects of supply chain management.
• Manage the supply chain process and performance including tactical performance in regard to capacity planning and utilization required to meet target inventory levels.
• Optimize supply chain activities to improve business performance in cycle time, yield, cost, efficiency, customer service, inventory and other key metrics.
• Oversight of process in moving the material flow in support of an optimized cycle time metric.
• Provide direction and leadership for supply chain, materials and inventory planning and delivery.
• Will interface with both internal and external customers, suppliers, vendors, 3rd party logistics and others globally.
• Will ensure supply chain support to new product introduction and new component introduction processes.
• Develop and implement new ideas focused on continuous process improvement, cost containment and efficiency.
• Will ensure capacity plans, monitor and upgrade models to support business requirements.
• Ensure the availability of materials needed to support site production schedules, including contingency plans
• Build and lead the Operations team. Build on the strengths of key operating managers internally and recruit from outside the company when necessary.
• Develop and lead an internally disciplined organization, with clearly defined responsibilities and accountabilities across all regions, functions and levels of the company.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience

This position requires a Bachelor’s degree; preferably an MBA focused on business or supply chain management. 10+ years of experience with procurement, materials management, production control, inventory control and logistics. APICS or CPIM certification is desired. Experience developing and implementing lean processes and procedures.

The ideal candidate will be a strategic, hands-on business leader with a proven track record of success. International business experience a plus.

• Must be comfortable operating in a leveraged environment, and experience in driving significant change across a diverse entity.
• Familiarity with personal care products and/or nutritional supplement industry including contract manufacturing.
• Entrepreneurial, action-oriented, and hands-on operating style with leadership presence, stamina, drive and a passion for results.
• Ability to direct and participate in acquisition and growth activities to support overall business objectives and plans.
• Broad business experience and a penchant for leading excellent procurement, supply chain, logistics, and manufacturing operations with a strong customer focus.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing and supply chain organization dealing with inventory and raw materials, shipping, distribution and warehouse operations.
• Skilled at dealing with rigorous quality issues.
• Ability to ensure systems are in place to manage the business in a data-driven manner; ability to execute against a budget.
• Possess strong skills in crisis management and resilience planning, with proven experience in navigating the complexities of global supply chains, particularly in volatile market conditions.
• Demonstrated expertise in leading digital transformation initiatives within operations, with a focus on implementing cutting-edge technologies and processes.
• Experienced in scaling operations for growth, adept at managing the expansion of business activities while maintaining efficiency and quality standards.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage a team with strong leadership, mentoring and motivation skills.
• Ability to think strategically and at the same time act tactically.
• Ability to be hands-on and lead by example is critical.
• Must have strong negotiation skills with a competency to implement a win/win system in all phases of the business.
• Significant strength in strategic low-cost sourcing and logistics.
• Familiar with quality systems and standards.
• Travel is a natural part of the job, including both domestic and international.
• Must thrive in an environment of constant change, tight time lines, and limited resources, deriving satisfaction from the challenge of building a unique business and taking ownership of all things operations.

Personal Characteristics

• Demonstrated leadership ability with a meritocratic philosophy of management; relentless in the pursuit of quality; mature, results-oriented, and focused on customer service.
• Executive presence and the highest level of personal and professional ethics and integrity.
• High intellect and ability to think creatively and operationally to solve business problems.
• Disciplined work ethic with a high standard of excellence for the team and self.
• Exhibits a high degree of adaptability and innovation, with the ability to not only respond to changing industry dynamics but also to drive forward-thinking changes within the organization.
• Culturally sensitive with global operational experience, capable of leading diverse teams and managing operations across different cultural environments effectively and respectfully.