VP, Manufacturing Operations, Low Acid Aseptic Beverages

VP, Manufacturing Operations, Low Acid Aseptic Beverages

This is an exciting manufacturing leadership opportunity within a leading US low acid aseptic beverage co‑manufacturing operation. You will oversee manufacturing operations in partnership with the world’s largest and most prestigious food & beverage companies.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Directing the strategy and Manufacturing Operations within a focused team of ~150 employees, ensuring the attainment of manufacturing excellence, the highest levels of food safety and profitability goals.
• Leading 2–3 Manufacturing Business Units with 2–3 Department Managers overseeing Processing, Blending, ESL, Tetra Pak, Combi, Bottling & Pouch lines.
• Overseeing highly automated operations including Tetra Pak and Combi bottling lines, as well as robotics and automation systems for palletizers.
• Developing the site’s operational effectiveness and long‑term vision and direction of low acid aseptic beverage co‑manufacturing in alignment with the company’s growth strategy.
• Overseeing the management of cross‑functional business operations including Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Marketing, and R&D Innovation Center, producing both company‑owned branded products and customers’ products manufactured on‑schedule within quality and cost objectives.
• Directing scheduling and manufacturing operations while ensuring compliance with cGMP, HACCP, and Food Safety standards for achieving top-tier food and beverage product quality.
• Driving Continuous Improvement and Lean Six Sigma initiatives across the plant to optimize throughput, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency.
• Managing financial performance by overseeing budgets, costs, and forecasting while ensuring quality and the highest levels of food safety.

Desired Skills & Experience

• BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology or related Scientific/Engineering field. MBA a plus.
• 10+ years of successful GMP‑regulated food and beverage manufacturing leadership experience. Experience manufacturing low acid aseptic beverages or plant‑based foods a plus.
• Proven leadership experience managing 100+ people with a strong ability to build, coach, and develop teams through Department Managers and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Demonstrated expertise with Tetra Pak and Combi bottling lines, and knowledge of robotics/automation for palletizing and packaging operations.
• Strong technical understanding of low acid aseptic beverage and food safety compliance, including thermal processing and microbiology principles.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement expertise. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred.
• Exceptional Business Operations and Financial Management expertise with demonstrated P&L oversight, budgeting, forecasting, and cost‑control success.
• Food Safety experience working within FDA, GMP and HACCP compliance.

*** Please note, this is a key manufacturing leadership position based at a major manufacturing plant and R&D site. Living and working in the Buffalo/Niagara region is an absolute requirement for this position. ***

Company Description

This position is within a Buffalo Area natural products and nutritional foods spinoff company backed by a major CPG, Dairy and Nutritional Products Manufacturer. It is an incredible opportunity to get on board within an ultra‑innovative, fast paced and friendly entrepreneurial environment with an exciting portfolio of new product launches.

Director

Full‑time

Manufacturing, Management, and Engineering

Food and Beverage Services, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Manufacturing