Vice President of Operations

Izzio Artisan Bakery • Louisville, CO

1d • $220,000 - $250,000 • Onsite

About The Position

At izzio artisan bakery, we believe great bread starts with great ingredients—and great people. As the #1 selling and fastest-growing sourdough brand, we craft our bread in small batches using time-honored techniques, simple ingredients, and a passion for quality. Naturally fermented and incredibly delicious, izzio is real artisan sourdough. Our team is at the heart of everything we do—and a key ingredient in our success. Position Summary The Vice President of Operations is responsible for leading all production and operational activities across Izzio artisan bakery’s manufacturing facilities. This executive will oversee multi-plant bakery operations with a strong focus on the integrity, consistency, and scalability of izzio’s artisan bread process. This leader must combine deep operational expertise with a strong understanding of bread production—from fermentation and dough handling through baking and packaging—while building high-performing teams and scalable systems across multiple plants. The VP of Operations will ensure operational excellence, equipment reliability, and process consistency while maintaining the quality and craftsmanship that define the izzio brand.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Food Science, Operations, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership in food manufacturing with significant experience in bread or bakery operations strongly preferred.
• At least 10+ years in senior leadership roles with demonstrated ability to influence cross-functional teams and drive culture change.
• Demonstrated success overseeing multi-plant manufacturing operations.
• Deep understanding of bread production processes and bakery manufacturing systems.
• Experience scaling operations while maintaining product quality and consistency.
• Strong leadership, communication, and analytical skills with the ability to develop strategy and execute operationally.
• Strong strategic leadership combined with operational execution capability.
• Exceptional communication, influence, and change-management skills.
• Maintain regular, consistent attendance & punctuality.
• Must have a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Strong expertise in bread processes and large-scale bakery or food manufacturing production.
• Deep knowledge of maintenance systems, equipment reliability, and manufacturing efficiency.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and production planning tools.
• Strong knowledge of food safety and regulatory compliance.

Responsibilities

• Multi-Plant Operations Leadership Provide executive oversight of all production operations across multiple bakery facilities.
• Ensure operational alignment, consistency, and performance across plants.
• Develop scalable systems, processes, and standards that support growth while maintaining product quality.
• Monitor and improve key performance metrics including productivity, waste reduction, service levels, and cost control.
• Bread Process Ownership Maintain strong operational oversight of the artisan bread production process, including mixing, fermentation, shaping, proofing, baking, cooling, slicing, and packaging.
• Ensure process consistency and product integrity across all facilities.
• Partner with technical baking, R&D, quality, and plant leadership to refine and scale artisan bread processes.
• Identify and build process improvements that increase efficiency without compromising quality.
• Support the successful launch and scale-up of new bread products.
• Maintenance & Equipment Reliability Lead maintenance strategies across all facilities, including preventative and predictive maintenance programs.
• Ensure high equipment reliability and minimal production downtime.
• Oversight and management of equipment upgrades, automation, and facility expansions.
• Partner with maintenance leaders to strengthen technical capability and asset management practices.
• Process Improvement & Operational Excellence Standardize operating procedures and best practices across plants.
• Lead operational problem-solving and root-cause analysis for production challenges.
• Improve throughput, yield, labor efficiency, and operational consistency.
• People Leadership & Organizational Development Provide executive leadership across multi-site operations, building and sustaining high-performing teams while setting the standard for leadership excellence and operational discipline.
• Coach, mentor, and develop plant leaders and senior managers to strengthen their ability to lead, manage, and inspire teams that consistently deliver results.
• Shape and reinforce a culture of collaboration, respect, accountability, and safety by modeling expectations and embedding these principles into leadership practices at every level.
• Drive leadership development by establishing clear frameworks, succession strategies, and scalable programs that build a strong, future-ready leadership pipeline.
• Advance organizational effectiveness through talent development, hands-on mentorship, and by empowering leaders to create engaged, inclusive, and high-performing environments.
• Safety, Quality & Compliance Ensure strict adherence to food safety, regulatory, and workplace safety standards (GMP, HACCP, OSHA).
• Maintain consistent product quality across all facilities.
• Partner with quality and food safety teams to reinforce operational discipline and compliance.
• Strategic Operations Leadership Collaborate with executive leadership on operational strategy, expansion planning, and facility development.
• Lead operational budgeting, forecasting, and cost management.
• Ensure operational readiness for growth, new product introductions, and increased production capacity.

Benefits

• Compensation: Competitive base salaries (commensurate with experience) along with potential bonus program and other recognitions dependent upon role.
• Health & Wellbeing: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance options to keep you and your family covered.
• Financial Security: 401(k) with company match, life insurance, and long-term disability.
• Work-Life Balance: Paid time off, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling where possible.
• Growth & Development: We are committed to the growth of our employees by providing ongoing training, professional development opportunities, and pathways to advance your career.
• Breadquarters Perks: Weekly take-home bread, because real sourdough bread is part of your life, not just your job. You’ll also enjoy the occasional team meal, first tastes of our innovation, and coffee is provided at the office.
• Recognition: izzio encourages a recognition culture and offers opportunities to recognize peers via our Employee Portal Recognition & Rewards.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees