Role Overview for VP Digital Manufacturing with a Food &Beverage Manufacturer – Atlanta, GA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a leading, multi-billion dollar Food & Beverage manufacturer in their exclusive search for a transformative Vice President of Digital Manufacturing. Based in the vibrant city of Atlanta, GA, this is a pivotal executive leadership role designed for a forward-thinking expert who can architect and execute a comprehensive digital transformation strategy across the company’s extensive manufacturing network. Our client is a household name, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. As they embark on the next chapter of their growth, they are committed to building the ‘factory of the future’ by integrating cutting-edge technologies and data-driven processes.
The VP of Digital Manufacturing will be the central figure in this evolution, reporting directly to the Chief Operations Officer. This individual will be responsible for creating and implementing a cohesive vision for a smart, connected, and highly efficient manufacturing ecosystem. This role requires a unique blend of strategic leadership, deep technical expertise in modern manufacturing technologies, and a profound understanding of the food and beverage industry’s unique challenges and opportunities. You will be tasked with revolutionizing how the company produces its iconic products, driving significant improvements in operational efficiency, product quality, worker safety, and overall profitability. This is a career-defining opportunity to make a tangible impact on a major industry player, shaping its operational landscape for decades to come by leveraging the full potential of Industry 4.0 principles.
The ideal candidate is not just a technologist but a business strategist and a change agent. You will build and lead a world-class team, collaborate with senior executives across the organization, and champion a culture of continuous improvement and digital innovation. Your success will be measured by your ability to translate a complex technological vision into practical, scalable solutions that deliver measurable business value. If you are a passionate leader with a proven track record of driving digital manufacturing initiatives in a large-scale CPG or food production environment, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP Digital Manufacturing with a Food &Beverage Manufacturer – Atlanta, GA
Strategic Vision and Roadmap Development
Develop, articulate, and execute a multi-year digital manufacturing strategy and roadmap that aligns with the company’s broader business objectives. Identify and prioritize key initiatives that will deliver the highest ROI in terms of efficiency, quality, cost reduction, and safety.
Technology Leadership and Implementation
Lead the evaluation, selection, and deployment of advanced manufacturing technologies. This includes Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), AI/Machine Learning for predictive maintenance and quality control, robotics, automation, and advanced data analytics platforms.
Operational Excellence and Process Optimization
Utilize data-driven insights to drive significant improvements in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce unplanned downtime, minimize waste, and optimize production scheduling. Champion continuous improvement methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) augmented by digital tools.
Team Building and Leadership
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of engineers, data scientists, project managers, and IT/OT professionals. Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability, empowering your team to solve complex challenges.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to leaders in Operations, Supply Chain, IT, R&D, and Quality Assurance. Ensure seamless integration of digital manufacturing systems with existing enterprise platforms like ERP and PLM to create a unified data ecosystem.
Change Management and Adoption
Act as the primary champion for digital transformation across the plant network. Develop and implement comprehensive change management plans, including communication strategies, training programs, and stakeholder engagement to ensure successful adoption of new technologies and processes at all levels of the organization.
Data Governance and Analytics
Establish a robust data governance framework for manufacturing data. Oversee the development of analytics capabilities to transform raw operational data into actionable business intelligence, enabling proactive decision-making and performance management.
Budgetary and Financial Oversight
Develop and manage the annual capital and operating budgets for all digital manufacturing initiatives. Build compelling business cases for technology investments, conduct thorough ROI analysis, and report on financial performance and project milestones to the executive team.
Vendor and Partner Management
Identify, negotiate with, and manage relationships with key technology vendors, system integrators, and strategic partners. Ensure partners deliver on their commitments and provide long-term value to the organization.
Cybersecurity and Compliance
In partnership with the CISO and IT leadership, ensure that all OT (Operational Technology) and digital manufacturing systems are secure and compliant with industry regulations and company policies, particularly those related to food safety and traceability.
Requirements for the VP Digital Manufacturing with a Food &Beverage Manufacturer – Atlanta, GA
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or a Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in a large-scale manufacturing environment, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership capacity overseeing smart factory, digital manufacturing, or manufacturing technology initiatives.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within the Food & Beverage, Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG), or a related process manufacturing industry is highly desirable. A deep understanding of GMP, FDA regulations, food safety protocols (e.g., HACCP), and sanitation standards is critical.
Technical Proficiency
Demonstrated, hands-on experience leading the successful implementation of a broad range of digital manufacturing technologies, including MES/MOM, IIoT platforms, SCADA systems, ERP integration (e.g., SAP), predictive analytics, and automation/robotics.
Transformational Leadership
Proven ability to lead large-scale, complex transformation projects from conception to completion. Exceptional leadership and team-building skills with a track record of attracting and developing top talent.
Business and Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial principles with experience managing multi-million dollar budgets, building investment cases, and quantifying the business impact of technology initiatives.
Communication and Influence
Superior communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a complex technical vision to a non-technical executive audience and to influence and align stakeholders across different functions and levels of the organization is essential.
Change Management Skills
A strategic mindset with demonstrated experience in driving cultural change and technology adoption within a traditional manufacturing environment.
Analytical Mindset
Highly analytical and data-driven approach to problem-solving. Ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights and strategic recommendations.
Location
Ability to work from the corporate headquarters in Atlanta, GA, with a willingness to travel to manufacturing sites as needed (estimated 25-30%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package for this executive role, including:
- Highly competitive base salary and an attractive executive-level annual bonus program.
- Long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
- Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance for you and your family.
- A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Substantial paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and company holidays.
- Paid parental leave and family support programs.
- Executive-level professional development and continuing education support.
- Relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Employee wellness programs and resources.
- Product discounts and other corporate perks.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. We are seeking a truly exceptional leader to fill this role. If you have the requisite experience and a passion for revolutionizing the manufacturing industry, we encourage you to apply. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience in leading digital manufacturing transformations. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
JRG Partners is a leader in placing top talent within the manufacturing and technology sectors. To learn more about our expertise in this area, we invite you to explore our practice page. Learn more about our expertise in Smart Factory & Industrial AI Executive Search Firm.
