Role Overview for SVP, Operational Excellence with a Global CPG Co. – Cincinnati, OH
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a world-renowned, multi-billion dollar Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) organization in their search for a transformative Senior Vice President (SVP) of Operational Excellence. Based at their corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, OH, this executive will serve as the chief architect and champion of a global culture of continuous improvement, impacting every facet of the company’s value chain. This is a career-defining opportunity to drive enterprise-wide strategic initiatives that will enhance efficiency, elevate quality, reduce operational costs, and unlock significant value for the business and its customers worldwide.
Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the SVP of Operational Excellence will be a pivotal member of the global leadership team. You will be entrusted with developing and deploying a cohesive, forward-thinking operational excellence strategy that aligns seamlessly with the company’s aggressive growth objectives. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record of implementing large-scale change and fostering a mindset of relentless improvement within a complex, global manufacturing and supply chain environment.
You will lead a dedicated global team of continuous improvement experts, acting as a mentor, coach, and strategist to embed best-in-class operational practices deep within the organization’s DNA. Your influence will extend from the manufacturing floor to the executive boardroom, ensuring that operational capabilities are not just a support function but a key competitive advantage that fuels innovation, sustainability, and market leadership.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Operational Excellence with a Global CPG Co. – Cincinnati, OH
Strategic Vision & Execution
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year global Operational Excellence (OpEx) strategy. This includes defining key performance indicators (KPIs), setting ambitious targets, and creating a clear roadmap for achieving world-class operational performance across all business units and regions.
Global Program Leadership
Lead the design and deployment of standardized continuous improvement programs, leveraging methodologies such as Lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Kaizen. Ensure consistent application and adaptation of these tools to meet diverse operational needs.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Act as a key strategic partner to executive leadership across Supply Chain, Manufacturing, R&D, Quality, and Commercial teams. Foster a collaborative environment to ensure that OpEx initiatives are integrated and aligned with broader business strategies and customer expectations.
Performance Management & Analytics
Establish a robust framework for tracking, analyzing, and reporting on operational performance metrics. Utilize data-driven insights to identify systemic issues, pinpoint improvement opportunities, and demonstrate the tangible financial impact (ROI) of OpEx projects to stakeholders.
Talent Development & Culture Building
Lead and inspire a global team of OpEx professionals. Be responsible for attracting, retaining, and developing top talent in the continuous improvement space. Champion a culture where every employee is empowered and engaged in identifying and eliminating waste.
Change Management
Serve as the primary agent of change for all operational transformation initiatives. Develop and implement sophisticated change management strategies to ensure successful adoption of new processes, technologies, and mindsets throughout the global organization.
Supply Chain & Manufacturing Optimization
Partner closely with supply chain and manufacturing leaders to optimize end-to-end processes, including procurement, production planning, inventory management, logistics, and distribution. Drive initiatives to improve asset utilization, reduce lead times, and enhance supply chain resilience.
Technology & Innovation
Stay at the forefront of industry trends and technological advancements. Evaluate and champion the adoption of new technologies, including automation, IoT, and advanced analytics, to accelerate operational improvements and create a ‘smart’ manufacturing ecosystem.
Financial Stewardship
Develop and manage the global OpEx budget. Build compelling business cases for strategic investments in technology and process improvements, ensuring all initiatives deliver a strong return and contribute directly to the company’s bottom line.
Quality & Compliance
Ensure that all operational improvement activities enhance the company’s commitment to the highest standards of product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Requirements for the SVP, Operational Excellence with a Global CPG Co. – Cincinnati, OH
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience within a large-scale, global CPG, food & beverage, or related manufacturing environment. At least 7 years of experience in a senior executive role (VP level or higher) with a global scope.
Methodology Expertise
Deep, hands-on expertise and a proven track record of success in deploying a variety of continuous improvement tools. Certification as a Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt is highly desirable. Must demonstrate mastery of core Lean Six Sigma principles and their practical application in a complex operational setting.
Transformational Leadership
Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, multi-year business transformation and change management initiatives that have resulted in quantifiable improvements in cost, quality, and efficiency.
Global Mindset
Extensive experience working in and leading teams within a global, matrixed organization. Must possess a high degree of cultural awareness and the ability to influence and collaborate effectively across different regions and functions.
Financial Acumen
Strong business and financial acumen, with experience managing significant budgets, developing business cases, and linking operational improvements to financial outcomes (P&L, balance sheet).
Communication Skills
Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills. The ability to articulate a complex strategic vision and influence stakeholders at all levels, from the plant floor to the C-suite and Board of Directors.
Analytical & Strategic Thinking
A highly analytical and data-driven decision-maker with the capacity for strategic, systems-level thinking. Must be able to translate complex data into actionable insights and strategic priorities.
Travel
Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed to engage with global teams and sites (estimated at 25-30%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to investing in their leaders and offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive rewards package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents. Includes robust wellness programs and mental health support.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) retirement plan with a substantial company match and potential for additional profit-sharing contributions.
Paid Time Off
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and company-paid holidays.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Growth
A commitment to your ongoing professional development with support for executive coaching, conferences, and continuing education.
Additional Perks
Includes life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance programs (EAP), and employee discounts on company products.
How to Apply
This is an exclusive, retained search being conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a visionary operations leader with the experience and passion to drive transformative change within a global CPG powerhouse, we invite you to apply.
To be considered for this confidential opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Consumer Goods & CPG practice page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
