Vice President of Operations

Our quality products have a heritage dating back to the early 1800’s at the Hempler’s family sausage kitchen in Borken, Germany. Hans Hempler worked in the family sausage business in Germany as a youngster. He served as an apprentice sausage maker and learned first‑hand the family’s old secret recipes becoming a master sausage maker before moving to the United States. Hans came to the United States in 1928 and, in those early years, worked hard and saved his money.

It is our mission, and passion, to produce and distribute the highest quality products, while operating with the highest integrity and standards for personalized service to our customers. We strive to achieve these results by purchasing high quality ingredients and by employing passionate people, training them well, and developing an extended “family” of employees dedicated to accomplishing our mission.

The VP of Operations is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of the Hempler Foods Group LLC. The VP of Operations works closely with the CEO and other executive team members to develop and implement business strategies and ensure the organization meets its operational goals. The position is 30% Tactical and 70% Strategic. This role provides effective leadership and strategic direction of all manufacturing operations activities to facilitate a customer driven, accelerated growth business environment.

This is a hands‑on role responsible for orchestrating the development and implementation of operations strategy.

Wage: $ – $ annually, subject to all required taxes and with holdings.

Location of Position: 5470 Nielsen Ave, Ferndale, WA 98248

• Strategic Planning and Execution:
• Collaborate with the CEO in setting and driving organizational vision, operational strategy, and hiring needs for the manufacturing group.
• Translate strategy into actionable steps for growth, goal setting, performance management, and annual operations planning.
• Operational Management:
• Oversee daily manufacturing operations of the company and collaborate closely with other cross functional teams (IT, Marketing, Sales, Finance, etc.).
• Ensure the creation and implementation of a strategy designed to grow the business.
• Coordinate the development of key performance goals for functions and direct reports.
• Oversee key projects, processes, and performance reports, data, and analysis.
• Develop and manage the manufacturing operational budget.
• Monitor performance metrics, receive and respond to regular performance updates, and ensure alignment with business objectives.
• Leadership and Development:
• Provide direct supervision and mentorship to senior managers and department heads.
• Foster a success‑oriented, accountability focused environment within the company.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Identify and manage key risks and issues impacting the business.
• Ensure compliance with national and local business regulations and take appropriate action when necessary.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.
• Supports safety as a top priority in training, ergonomics, and regulatory compliance.
• Implements solutions to solve root cause problems.
• Creates an environment that encourages and rewards teamwork and collaboration.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, Food Science, or related field (MBA preferred).
• Better Process Control School (BPSC) certification preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in operational leadership roles, preferably within the same industry.
• Proven track record of successful strategic planning and execution.
• Experience in managing complex projects and cross‑functional teams.
• Food production experience required.
• Knowledge of methodologies, tools and techniques for designing, building, and managing the manufacture of new products.
• Must have working knowledge of Food Safety and Regulatory business standards, practices, policies, and procedures.
• Must have working knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations including but not limited to HACCP, GMP’s, SSOP’s, Food Labeling, Import/Export…