Vice President of Manufacturing

VP Manufacturing at Lamb Weston

Position located on site in Kennewick, WA (relocation provided)

The VP Manufacturing is accountable for multi‑site plant operations that produce products meeting safety, quality, cost, volume, and customer service criteria. The role defines and recommends the strategic direction needed to achieve long‑term operating and profit goals. It utilizes integrated talent‑management processes to develop and guide next‑level leaders throughout the operations division. The VP formulates short‑ and long‑term operating objectives in areas such as talent development, quality improvement, cost reduction, manufacturing/processing efficiency, and new product development.

The VP develops and implements plans to achieve appropriate production volumes and profit projections, ensures that product quality is met within budget, and that safety standards are adhered to as a priority. The VP provides financial reports to management to review progress against goals and collaborates with finance, planning, distribution, marketing, commercial, food safety/quality, procurement, transportation and other departments to coordinate all aspects of operations efficiently and effectively.

The VP defines and directs the administration of policies within the context of company‑wide policies.

• Embed life safety culture throughout the organization, developing and implementing overall operations safety initiatives collaboratively with Corporate EHS.
• Drive food safety culture throughout the organization, developing and implementing overall operations food safety and quality initiatives collaboratively with Corporate FSQ.
• Foster a ‘Speak Up’ culture rooted in Lamb Weston values.
• Lead plant management to ensure Lamb Weston Operations’ strategic plan connects to Lamb Weston’s overall business strategies, is effectively deployed and executed against them.
• Instill a zero‑loss manufacturing culture focused on continuous improvement and delivering world‑class sustainable performance.
• Assess, identify, and develop talent to ensure future leaders are bench‑ready for growth assignments. Build capability in the manufacturing organization.
• Set, measure, and improve plant Key Performance Indicators. Coach plant management for excellence in ensuring delivery of products that meet quality, cost, volume, and service criteria.
• Define and direct the framework and intent of the company’s manufacturing policy.
• Serve as key decision maker in the allocation of company resources (raw product, labor, capital improvement dollars).
• Implement programs that drive sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing and packaging.

• 15+ years progressive experience in plant manufacturing environment with strong preference for food manufacturing experience, preferably in potato processing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or similar fields.
• Experience in large manufacturing operations department management – preferably food processing/manufacturing.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and develop people.
• Leadership of continuous improvement processes including cost reduction/savings programs, innovation, customer complaint resolution, plant/employee safety and security.
• Food safety and quality management experience within the plant environment and in managing customer relationships.
• Project Management (multi‑functional high‑complexity projects) experience.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record to meet company standards.
• Ability to travel independently domestically and internationally. Travel up to 50% of time.

Executive

Full‑time

Manufacturing

Food and Beverage Manufacturing