Role Overview for VP, Plant Management with a Food Manufacturer – Sacramento, CA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, rapidly growing food manufacturer in their search for a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Plant Management. Based in the vibrant Sacramento, CA area, this executive leadership role is a cornerstone of the company’s operational strategy and future growth. The successful candidate will be a seasoned manufacturing leader with a profound understanding of the food and beverage industry, responsible for overseeing all aspects of plant operations, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, and efficiency are not only met but exceeded.
This is not merely a managerial position; it is a strategic role requiring a leader who can inspire a culture of continuous improvement, drive operational excellence, and manage a complex P&L to achieve ambitious financial targets. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, the VP of Plant Management will have full autonomy and accountability for the plant’s performance, from production and maintenance to quality assurance and supply chain coordination. You will be instrumental in shaping the operational landscape, implementing best-in-class processes, and developing a high-performing team capable of scaling with the business. The ideal candidate will possess a unique blend of strategic foresight, hands-on operational expertise, and exceptional leadership skills to guide the facility through its next phase of innovation and expansion. If you are a transformational leader passionate about building world-class manufacturing operations, we invite you to explore this exceptional opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Plant Management with a Food Manufacturer – Sacramento, CA
The Vice President of Plant Management will be tasked with a wide range of critical responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, operational execution, and team development. Success in this role is defined by the ability to balance long-term strategic planning with the day-to-day realities of a dynamic manufacturing environment.
Strategic Leadership & Financial Acumen
Develop and execute a comprehensive plant-level strategy that aligns with the overall corporate objectives. Assume full P&L responsibility for the Sacramento facility, including developing annual budgets, capital expenditure plans (CAPEX), and operational forecasts. Meticulously manage costs, drive profitability, and identify key levers for financial improvement.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion a culture of continuous improvement by deploying methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Productive Maintenance (TPM). Lead initiatives to optimize Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), reduce waste, minimize downtime, and enhance production scheduling. Analyze performance data and KPIs to identify trends and implement corrective actions that drive sustained improvement.
Safety, Quality & Regulatory Compliance
Uphold and champion a ‘safety-first’ culture, ensuring the plant operates in strict compliance with all OSHA and environmental regulations. Guarantee that all products meet the highest quality standards by enforcing Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), HACCP, and SQF protocols. Maintain a state of audit-readiness and serve as the primary point of contact for regulatory agencies. Ensure all operations adhere to the principles of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA).
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a large, diverse team of managers, supervisors, and frontline employees. Foster a positive, inclusive, and engaging work environment that promotes collaboration and high performance. Implement robust talent management processes, including performance reviews, succession planning, and targeted training programs to build a strong leadership pipeline within the plant.
Production & Engineering Management
Oversee all production activities to ensure output, quality, and on-time delivery targets are consistently met. Direct the maintenance and engineering functions to ensure equipment reliability, implement preventative maintenance programs, and manage the execution of capital projects effectively and within budget.
Supply Chain & Logistics Coordination
Collaborate closely with procurement, planning, warehousing, and distribution teams to ensure a seamless flow of raw materials and finished goods. Optimize inventory levels to support production needs while minimizing carrying costs and waste.
Requirements for the VP, Plant Management with a Food Manufacturer – Sacramento, CA
We are seeking a distinguished leader with a proven track record of success in senior-level food manufacturing roles. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications, experience, and attributes:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Chemical), Food Science, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in a food, beverage, or CPG manufacturing environment. At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior plant leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Director of Operations, Multi-Site Manager) with full P&L responsibility for a large-scale facility.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrated mastery of continuous improvement methodologies (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM). Deep knowledge of food safety and quality systems (SQF, BRC, HACCP, GMPs). Strong financial acumen with extensive experience in budgeting, forecasting, and capital planning.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the proven ability to lead, influence, and inspire a large and diverse organization. A strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting complex information to executive leadership and engaging with frontline employees.
Certifications
Certifications such as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, Certified Plant Manager (CPM), or SQF Practitioner are highly desirable.
Personal Attributes
High level of integrity, a strong work ethic, and a results-oriented mindset. Must be adaptable and able to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. A passion for building great teams and a world-class operational culture.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A lucrative base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and long-term incentive/equity potential.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, as well as Health Savings Account (HSA) options.
Retirement Planning
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Work-Life Balance
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid holidays.
Relocation Support
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate to move to the Sacramento area.
Professional Growth
A commitment to your ongoing professional development with opportunities for further education, certifications, and conference attendance.
Additional Perks
Employee product discounts, wellness programs, and other company-sponsored events.
How to Apply
This is a retained search being conducted exclusively by JRG Partners. To be considered for this pivotal leadership opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for leading a world-class manufacturing facility. We encourage all qualified and interested candidates to apply promptly.
JRG Partners is a leading food and agribusiness executive search firm dedicated to connecting exceptional talent with premier organizations. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the strictest confidence.
