Vice President of Operations

South San Francisco, CA, United States

Work is Sweet!

'Quality without Compromise' is not just a motto at See's Candies. It is the most important ingredient in our recipe for success. See's Candies has been in business since 1921 and maintains a reputation for producing the highest quality candy and providing superior customer service.

See's is a leader in the confectionary industry with over 250 retail shops across the USA. We are seeking friendly, enthusiastic individuals who are passionate about providing great customer service. Job Description Summary: POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The Vice President of Operations at See's Candies plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our production and distribution processes. This position requires a dynamic leader with a strong background in manufacturing and a passion for quality.

The VP of Operations is responsible for leading See’s production, packaging, maintenance, order processing, warehouse and shipping functions, ensuring availability of top quality confectionery products to See’s selling units. Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the VP, Operations is also responsible for achieving productivity, cost control and other key performance goals.

This person will demonstrate personal commitment to the production of consistent and highest quality See’s candy, including a focus on correct ingredient formulation, candy-making, attractive packaging and excellent support for internal and external customers.

Additionally, this person will be a key senior contributor, guiding See’s as a member of the Senior Leadership Team. In addition to handling Operations duties, this position will be expected to be skilled at strategic commercial and organizational thinking and able to lead project teams and work directionally and collaboratively with senior management, functional department members as well as other internal departments.

All See’s staff must be committed to the company’s core principles and workplace values, including a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion. Job Description: POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leads the activities, operations, and projects of the various functions of candy production, packaging and delivery for See's five production, packing and distribution facilities (three in SF/Bay Area and two in Los Angeles).

2. Responsible for building, retaining, and leading the team of highly effective Plant Managers and senior management of Warehouse Operations, Transportation & Logistics.

3. Designs, defines and delivers the strategy for accomplishment of Operations plans and goals; monitors progress toward goal achievement.

4. Responsible for creation, presentation and administration of departmental budget, which includes both operational and capital expenditure budget proposals as appropriate. This position will also provide input to and participate in other project, departmental and company budget administration.

5. Ensures accurate inventory accounting and coordinates interdepartmental/inter-company communication and exchange of product.

6. Establishes policy and structure for new programs relating to Operations; identifies, analyzes and resolves problems relating to current processes, procedures or policies.

7. Ensures adherence to plant safety rules, procedures and initiatives, in accordance with See’s Illness and Injury Prevention Program. Works closely with Food Safety/Quality Assurance Department to ensure adherence to food safety and labeling regulations and to ensure positive Safe Quality Food (SQF) status and progress toward company food safety objectives.

8. Assists CEO in decision-making related to product, equipment, or quality issues.

9. Coordinates closely with Procurement and Sales departments to ensure optimum utilization of materials and planning and fulfillment of product sales.

10. Ability to support and provide input to sales demand forecasting and maintain sufficient inventory production according to production planning to meet sales requirements.

11. Maintains a visible presence in each operating department to observe processes, product quality, equipment operating level, plant cleanliness and sanitation, safety and overall PSG efficiency.

12. Partners to ensure effective labor negotiations with BCTGM and Teamster locals.

13. Identifies opportunities to enhance technology and innovation that will promote departmental effectiveness and will work closely with IT and other departments to ensure complete and accurate inventory tracking and utilization.

14. Establishes principles for change and maintains change momentum through employee communication, engagement and development. Also learns from, measures and sustains change results.

15. Performs special projects and initiatives as assigned by the CEO. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1. B.S. Degree in Food Technology or food-related discipline.

2. Minimum ten years of senior level management experience in manufacturing environment, preferably in a confectionery manufacturing environment.

3. Proven track record of successfully managing a variety of functions including production, packaging, warehousing, and distribution.

4. Effective leadership and communication skills to ensure appropriate selection, training and motivation of senior management staff.

5. Proven ability to learn and utilize new technologies quickly and manage change efficiently, proactively and in a positive manner.

6. Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.

7. Ability to regularly be onsite at the various locations. See's is an EOE

See’s will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable local, state or federal law (including San Francisco Ordinance #131192 and Los Angeles Municipal Code 189.00).

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