VP Operations

Blommer Chocolate Careers•Chicago, IL

3d•$260,000 - $270,000

About The Position

Blommer has been providing delicious, high-quality chocolate and cocoa products to customers since 1939. Built as a family business, we are continuing to grow and are looking for motivated and reliable associates to help in our mission of Bringing Chocolate to Life! Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Manage and direct the department leaders of Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Operations Reliability. Administer the capital investment program to meet the needs of the strategic plan by preparing project budgets, schedules, and oversee construction and installation. Direct leadership for all operational excellence, reliability, and training programs within Blommer Chocolate NA Implementation of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, TPM and preventative maintenance programs Drive transformational change in operations reliability and maintenance programs. Present periodic performance reports and metrics to various groups and the organization Define corporate engineering vision and strategic goals that are aligned to company's strategic goals. Operate within the core values of respect and care for others. Note: The employer reserves the right to change or assign other duties to this position Physical Requirements: General office environment, with the majority of time using a computer. Regular exposure to plant floor, including noise, dust and variation in temperature (hot/cold). Safety, Quality and Hygiene Requirements: Maintain compliance with all company policies, procedures and code of conduct. Comply with workplace uniform requirements and safety gear, when on the plant floor v. office. Performance Expectations: Meet or exceed the metrics and KPI’s identified for the functional areas noted above as outlined in the annual budgeting process. Improve culture and cross functional collaboration between corporate one local (site) roles. Skills and Work Experience Requirements: 15+ years’ experience in manufacturing operations and business management, preferably within the food manufacturing industry. 10+ years’ experience in leadership role. Experience in: Project management, Analytical and leadership skills, General manufacturing concepts, Advanced/ specialized manufacturing skills, Development of short and long-range goals/planning, and Development and analysis of budgets Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interface and communicate verbally or in writing with personnel at all levels within the company or externally. Ability to establish and build trusting relationships at all levels of the organization. Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills. Expected to identify, communicate/escalate and problem-solve as issues arise. Understands financial and budgetary requirements. Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite. Requires occasional travel (25 – 35%) Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering or any related discipline is required; a graduate degree (MBA) is desirable. Career Progression: Managers are encouraged to express interest in internal career opportunities throughout Blommer. Expectations for promotion or job role change are driven by proficiency and performance in current role. Career progression would align to operations and plant leadership needs.

Requirements

15+ years’ experience in manufacturing operations and business management, preferably within the food manufacturing industry.
10+ years’ experience in leadership role.
Experience in: Project management, Analytical and leadership skills, General manufacturing concepts, Advanced/ specialized manufacturing skills, Development of short and long-range goals/planning, and Development and analysis of budgets
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to effectively interface and communicate verbally or in writing with personnel at all levels within the company or externally.
Ability to establish and build trusting relationships at all levels of the organization.
Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
Expected to identify, communicate/escalate and problem-solve as issues arise.
Understands financial and budgetary requirements.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
Requires occasional travel (25 – 35%)
Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering or any related discipline is required

Nice To Haves

a graduate degree (MBA) is desirable.

Responsibilities

Manage and direct the department leaders of Engineering, Continuous Improvement, and Operations Reliability.
Administer the capital investment program to meet the needs of the strategic plan by preparing project budgets, schedules, and oversee construction and installation.
Direct leadership for all operational excellence, reliability, and training programs within Blommer Chocolate NA
Implementation of continuous improvement methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, TPM and preventative maintenance programs
Drive transformational change in operations reliability and maintenance programs.
Present periodic performance reports and metrics to various groups and the organization
Define corporate engineering vision and strategic goals that are aligned to company's strategic goals.
Operate within the core values of respect and care for others.