Role Overview for VP of Manufacturing (Consumer Goods) – Cincinnati, OH
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm specializing in strategic talent acquisition, is exclusively partnering with a leading innovator in the consumer goods sector to identify a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Manufacturing. This critical leadership role, based in the vibrant manufacturing hub of Cincinnati, Ohio, offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of production for a well-established and beloved brand.
The successful candidate will be instrumental in driving operational excellence, fostering a culture of continuous improvement, and spearheading strategic initiatives that ensure the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and safety across all manufacturing operations.
As the VP of Manufacturing, you will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer and serve as a pivotal member of the senior leadership team. Your strategic influence will extend beyond the factory floor, impacting product development, supply chain optimization, and overall business growth. This role demands a leader with a profound understanding of consumer goods manufacturing complexities, a proven track record of optimizing large-scale production facilities, and an unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability.
You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the manufacturing process, from raw material intake to finished product delivery, ensuring that production targets are met while adhering to stringent quality control measures and regulatory compliance. This is more than a management position; it is an opportunity to lead transformation, mentor a diverse team, and leave a lasting legacy on an organization poised for significant expansion and market leadership.
Cincinnati, Ohio, offers a rich environment for manufacturing professionals, boasting a strong industrial base, access to top talent, and a strategic location for distribution. This role is perfect for a seasoned executive who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and is eager to contribute to a company’s mission of delivering exceptional products to consumers worldwide. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for operational excellence and a desire to lead a world-class manufacturing organization, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with JRG Partners.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Manufacturing (Consumer Goods) – Cincinnati, OH
Strategic Planning & Execution
Develop, implement, and lead the company’s manufacturing strategy, aligning with overall business objectives and market demands. Drive long-term capacity planning, technology roadmaps, and capital investment strategies to support sustainable growth and innovation.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion a culture of Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement across all production facilities. Identify and implement best practices to enhance productivity, reduce waste, improve efficiency, and optimize resource utilization. Lead initiatives to streamline processes and eliminate bottlenecks.
Supply Chain & Logistics Integration
Collaborate closely with procurement, supply chain, and logistics teams to ensure seamless integration of manufacturing operations. Optimize raw material flow, inventory management, and finished goods distribution to minimize costs and maximize responsiveness to market fluctuations.
Quality Assurance & Regulatory Compliance
Oversee the implementation and adherence to stringent quality control systems, ensuring all products meet or exceed industry standards and consumer expectations. Ensure full compliance with all relevant local, national, and international regulations (e.g., FDA, OSHA, environmental standards) specific to the consumer goods industry.
Financial Stewardship & P&L Management
Manage manufacturing budgets, control costs, and drive efficiency initiatives to achieve financial targets. Take full ownership of the manufacturing P&L, identifying opportunities for cost reduction and profitability improvement without compromising quality or safety.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Recruit, develop, mentor, and motivate a high-performing manufacturing team, from plant managers to front-line supervisors. Foster an engaging and empowering work environment that promotes professional growth, accountability, and cross-functional collaboration. Implement robust performance management and succession planning programs.
Innovation, Technology & Digital Transformation
Evaluate and integrate cutting-edge manufacturing technologies, automation, and Industry 4.0 solutions to enhance production capabilities, improve efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge. Drive digital transformation initiatives within manufacturing operations.
Safety, Health & Environmental (SHE) Leadership
Establish and enforce robust safety protocols and environmental management systems to ensure a safe, healthy, and sustainable work environment for all employees. Drive initiatives to reduce accidents, minimize environmental impact, and promote corporate social responsibility.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Work closely with R&D, Marketing, Sales, and Engineering departments to ensure new product introductions are seamlessly integrated into manufacturing processes and that existing products meet evolving market needs and quality specifications.
Risk Management & Business Continuity
Identify potential operational risks within manufacturing, develop mitigation strategies, and establish robust business continuity plans to ensure uninterrupted production in the face of unforeseen challenges or disruptions.
Requirements for the VP of Manufacturing (Consumer Goods) – Cincinnati, OH
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, Chemical), Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or advanced degree is highly preferred.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 7-10 years specifically at a senior executive level (e.g., VP, SVP, General Manager of Manufacturing) within the consumer goods industry. Experience with high-volume, fast-paced production environments is essential.
Technical Acumen
Demonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma methodologies (Black Belt certification preferred), ERP systems implementation and optimization (e.g., SAP, Oracle), advanced automation, and manufacturing execution systems (MES).
Industry Knowledge
Deep understanding of consumer goods manufacturing processes, including packaging, assembly, quality control, and supply chain dynamics. Familiarity with relevant regulatory requirements (e.g., FDA, USDA) and international manufacturing standards.
Leadership & Management Skills
Proven ability to lead, inspire, and develop large, diverse teams across multiple sites. Exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving, decision-making, and change management capabilities. Strong financial acumen with significant P&L responsibility experience.
Communication & Interpersonal Skills
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to all levels of the organization, including executive leadership, plant staff, and external partners. Strong negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.
Results-Oriented
A track record of consistently achieving and exceeding operational and financial targets, driving significant improvements in efficiency, cost reduction, and quality metrics.
Location
Willingness to reside in or commute to the Cincinnati, Ohio metropolitan area. This is a critical on-site leadership role requiring a strong presence at manufacturing facilities.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client values its employees and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain top-tier executive talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and industry standards for a VP-level role.
Performance-Based Bonus & Equity
Generous annual bonus potential tied to individual and company performance, alongside potential long-term incentive plans or equity participation, aligning your success with the company’s growth.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Robust medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your family, along with wellness programs, life insurance, and disability coverage.
Retirement Savings
A strong 401(k) retirement plan with company matching contributions to help you build financial security for your future.
Paid Time Off
Ample paid vacation, sick leave, and company holidays to ensure a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
Comprehensive relocation package for candidates moving to the Cincinnati area.
Professional Development
Opportunities for continuous learning, executive coaching, and professional growth to further enhance your leadership capabilities and career trajectory.
Dynamic Work Environment
Join a collaborative, innovative, and supportive culture where your contributions are valued, and you can make a significant impact on a leading consumer goods brand.
Impactful Role
The chance to lead a critical function within a growing organization, shaping its operational future and contributing directly to its market success.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive search managed by JRG Partners on behalf of our esteemed client. We invite highly qualified and experienced manufacturing leaders to submit their applications. If you are ready to take on a pivotal role that drives innovation and operational excellence in the consumer goods sector, we encourage you to apply.
To express your interest and be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your detailed resume and a compelling cover letter outlining your relevant experience and leadership philosophy. Please visit our dedicated practice area for executive searches in this field: JRG Partners Manufacturing & Operations Executive Search.
JRG Partners is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing how your expertise can contribute to our client’s continued success.
