Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Excellence with a Global CPG Co. – Atlanta, GA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a world-renowned, multi-billion-dollar Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) organization in their search for a visionary Vice President of Manufacturing Excellence. Based at their strategic corporate hub in Atlanta, GA, this executive leadership role is critical to shaping the future of the company’s global manufacturing operations. Our client is a household name, celebrated for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability. They are seeking a transformative leader who can build upon this legacy by architecting and implementing a world-class operational excellence program.
As the VP of Manufacturing Excellence, you will be the chief architect of a culture dedicated to continuous improvement, efficiency, and safety across a complex network of international manufacturing facilities. You will not just be managing processes; you will be inspiring change, mentoring leaders, and driving a fundamental shift in how the organization approaches manufacturing. This position reports directly to the Chief Operations Officer and serves as a key member of the global operations leadership team.
Your influence will be felt across the entire value chain, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery, directly impacting profitability, customer satisfaction, and the company’s competitive advantage in a dynamic global market. This is a unique opportunity to leave an indelible mark on a leading CPG giant, driving the next generation of manufacturing performance and innovation.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Excellence with a Global CPG Co. – Atlanta, GA
Global Strategy Development & Deployment
Spearhead the development and global deployment of a comprehensive manufacturing excellence strategy. You will create a multi-year roadmap for operational transformation, ensuring tight alignment with the company’s long-term growth objectives, sustainability goals, and market leadership ambitions. This involves setting the vision, defining key strategic pillars, and securing executive buy-in.
Continuous Improvement (CI) Program Leadership
Champion and govern the enterprise-wide Continuous Improvement program. This includes the rigorous application of methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Total Productive Maintenance (TPM), and Kaizen. You will be responsible for standardizing best practices, tools, and training materials to create a unified and highly effective operational system across all plants.
Performance Management & Analytics
Establish, monitor, and drive accountability for Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across the manufacturing network, focusing on Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Inventory (SQDCI). You will leverage advanced data analytics and business intelligence to identify performance gaps, uncover root causes, and implement data-driven corrective actions to achieve and exceed targets.
Technology & Digital Transformation
Act as a key driver for technological advancement within manufacturing operations. You will evaluate, champion, and oversee the implementation of new technologies, automation projects, and digital manufacturing (Industry 4.0) solutions to enhance productivity, improve quality control, and build more agile and resilient supply chains.
Talent Development & Organizational Capability
Lead, mentor, and cultivate a world-class team of operational excellence professionals and plant leaders. You will be responsible for building organizational capability by fostering a culture of learning, problem-solving, and employee engagement. This includes creating career paths, succession plans, and training programs to develop the next generation of operations leaders.
Cross-Functional Collaboration & Influence
Forge strong partnerships with leaders in Supply Chain, Procurement, R&D, Quality Assurance, Finance, and HR. You will work collaboratively to ensure seamless end-to-end process integration, drive enterprise-level projects, and ensure that manufacturing strategies support new product introductions and overall business goals.
Financial & Capital Management
Possess strong financial acumen to manage significant operational budgets, oversee the capital expenditure (CapEx) planning process for manufacturing projects, and lead cost-saving initiatives. You will be accountable for delivering substantial productivity improvements and a strong return on investment for all excellence programs.
Safety, Quality & Compliance Leadership
Uphold and promote a zero-incident safety culture as the highest priority. Ensure all manufacturing sites strictly adhere to internal standards and external regulations, including GMP, ISO, OSHA, and environmental compliance, safeguarding the company’s reputation and license to operate.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Excellence with a Global CPG Co. – Atlanta, GA
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Industrial, Mechanical, Chemical), Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing and operations, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, or VP) overseeing multiple sites within a large-scale, complex CPG, Food & Beverage, Pharmaceutical, or related fast-moving consumer-facing industry.
Methodology Expertise
Deep, demonstrated expertise in operational excellence methodologies. You must have a proven track record of personally leading successful, large-scale implementations of Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and Six Sigma. Certifications such as a Lean Expert or Six Sigma Master Black Belt are highly desirable.
Transformational Leadership
Exceptional leadership presence with the proven ability to influence, inspire, and lead through significant organizational change. You must be a skilled communicator, capable of articulating a compelling vision and motivating teams across diverse cultures and geographies.
Strategic & Analytical Acumen
Superior strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. You must be able to analyze complex operational and financial data, identify critical trends, and translate broad business strategies into clear, measurable, and actionable operational plans.
Global Mindset
Experience working in a global or multi-national environment is essential. You must demonstrate cultural awareness and the ability to adapt leadership styles to be effective across different regions.
Travel
This role requires the ability to travel domestically and internationally to various manufacturing sites, estimated at approximately 25-40%, to engage with teams and drive initiatives directly.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) with equity components.
Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents. The package includes robust wellness programs, mental health support, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Retirement & Financial Planning
A best-in-class 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match, along with access to financial planning services.
Work-Life Integration
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, paid company holidays, and parental leave programs to support a healthy work-life balance.
Professional Growth
A strong commitment to your development, with opportunities for executive coaching, attendance at industry conferences, and continuing education.
Relocation
A comprehensive relocation assistance package is available for qualified candidates and their families.
How to Apply
If you are a transformative manufacturing leader with a passion for excellence and a track record of delivering breakthrough results, we invite you to apply for this exceptional opportunity. JRG Partners is the exclusive executive search firm retained to manage this critical recruitment.
To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and interest in the role. We look forward to reviewing your application. For more opportunities like this, we invite you to explore our deep expertise in the Consumer Packaged Goods executive search practice area.
