Vice President Operations

Position Summary

The Vice-President of Operations ("VPO") serves as the CEO's strategic partner and principal operating executive across the Hickory Park Inc. portfolio of companies.

The VPO will be responsible for translating strategy into execution, accelerating operational improvements, strengthening organizational capabilities, supporting acquisition activities, and creating long-term enterprise value across the portfolio.

This role combines the responsibilities of an operator, strategist, integrator, advisor, and problem solver. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted partner to subsidiary leadership teams while simultaneously working closely with board members, and the executive leadership team.

The position requires a highly motivated, entrepreneurial leader who thrives in fast-moving environments, embraces accountability, and possesses the ability to move seamlessly between strategic planning and hands-on execution.

The ideal candidate will be equally comfortable discussing acquisition opportunities with investors, evaluating manufacturing processes, reviewing financial statements, negotiating vendor agreements, implementing technology solutions, and mentoring senior leaders.

Primary Responsibilities

Portfolio Leadership and Value Creation

• Serve as the primary liaison between HPI and portfolio company leadership teams.
• Develop and execute value creation initiatives across all operating companies.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans with clearly defined objectives and accountability measures.
• Lead monthly, quarterly, and annual operating reviews.
• Establish performance expectations and monitor progress against key objectives.
• Conduct regular site visits and maintain close relationships with local leadership teams.

Operational Excellence

• Identify opportunities to improve profitability, productivity, quality, customer satisfaction, and efficiency.
• Develop and implement standardized operating procedures and best practices.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across manufacturing, distribution, logistics, customer service, procurement, and administrative functions.
• Identify operational bottlenecks and develop corrective action plans.
• Improve inventory management, purchasing practices, pricing strategies, and working capital performance.
• Lead cross-functional projects designed to improve organizational performance.

Technology and Systems

• Evaluate opportunities to improve efficiency through automation and technology.
• Lead system implementation and optimization initiatives.
• Improve reporting capabilities and data visibility across portfolio companies.
• Support the implementation and enhancement of ERP and business intelligence systems.

Human Capital Management

• Assist portfolio leadership teams with organizational development initiatives.
• Identify and recruit high-performing talent.
• Develop succession plans and leadership development programs.
• Foster a culture of accountability, ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Special Projects and Executive Support

• Lead strategic initiatives on behalf of the CEO.
• Coordinate and execute high-priority projects across multiple companies.
• Resolve complex operational and organizational challenges.
• Prepare presentations, analyses, and recommendations for investors, lenders, and the Board of Directors.
• Assume ownership of initiatives as delegated by the CEO.

Mergers and Acquisitions

• Support acquisition sourcing, due diligence, and transaction execution activities.
• Evaluate potential acquisition opportunities from financial, operational, and strategic perspectives.
• Coordinate integration planning and execution efforts.
• Develop post-acquisition integration road maps.
• Monitor synergy realization initiatives and overall transaction performance.
• Lead system, process, and organizational integration efforts.

Financial Leadership

• Supports HPI’s Director of Finance, in the development of annual budgets, forecasts, and strategic plans.
• Partners with the subsidiaries and the Director of Finance, in monitoring revenue growth, margins, cash flow generation, working capital performance, and capital expenditures.
• Reviews key financial and operational performance indicators.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in business, finance, economics, operations management, or 10 year experience in the field.
• Ten or more years of progressive leadership experience.
• Demonstrated experience within private equity-backed businesses, family offices, holding companies, or multi-entity organizations.
• Strong financial, operational, analytical, and leadership skills.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and enterprise-wide initiatives.
• Proven ability to drive organizational change and operational improvements.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills.
• Willingness to travel extensively.

Preferred

• MBA or advanced degree.
• Experience in manufacturing, distribution, logistics, furniture, consumer products, or industrial services.
• Experience with acquisition integration.

Reports to: CEO

Location: Miami, Fl (Expected to be in office with some flexible time)

Travel Requirements: Frequent travel to portfolio company locations (approximately 50%)

Salary Range: $200K-$225K

About Hickory Park Inc

Hickory Park Inc. ("HPI") is a diversified holding company focused on acquiring, operating, and growing market-leading businesses through disciplined capital allocation, operational excellence, strategic acquisitions, and long-term value creation.

The company works closely with its portfolio companies to strengthen leadership teams, improve operational performance, implement scalable processes, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.