What are the responsibilities and job description for the VP, Manufacturing Operations, Low Acid Aseptic Beverages position at Laguna Source?
This is an exciting manufacturing leadership opportunity within a leading US low acid aseptic beverage Co-Manufacturing operation. You will oversee manufacturing operations in partnership with the world’s largest and most prestigious food & beverage companies. Your responsibilities will include:
- Directing the strategy and Manufacturing Operations within a focused team of ~150 employees, ensuring the attainment of manufacturing excellence, the highest levels of food safety and profitability goals.
- Leading 2–3 Manufacturing Business Units with 2–3 Department Managers overseeing Processing, Blending, ESL, TetraPak, Combi, Bottling & Pouch lines.
- Overseeing highly automated operations including TetraPak and Combi bottling lines, as well as robotics and automation systems for palletizers.
- Developing the site’s operational effectiveness and long-term vision and direction of low acid aseptic beverage co-manufacturing in alignment with the company’s growth strategy.
- Overseeing the management of cross-functional business operations including Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Marketing, and R&D Innovation Center, producing both company-owned branded products and customers’ products manufactured on-schedule within quality and cost objectives.
- Directing scheduling and manufacturing operations while ensuring compliance with cGMP, HACCP, and Food Safety standards for achieving top-tier food and beverage product quality.
- Driving Continuous Improvement and Lean Six Sigma initiatives across the plant to optimize throughput, reduce waste, and enhance efficiency.
- Managing financial performance by overseeing budgets, costs, and forecasting while ensuring quality and the highest levels of food safety.
Desired Skills & Experience
- BS or MS in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Science, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology or related Scientific/Engineering field. MBA a plus.
- 10 years of successful GMP-regulated food and beverage manufacturing leadership experience. Experience manufacturing low acid aseptic beverages or plant-based foods a plus.
- Proven leadership experience managing 100 people with a strong ability to build, coach, and develop teams through Department Managers and cross-functional collaboration.
- Demonstrated expertise with TetraPak and Combi bottling lines, and knowledge of robotics/automation for palletizing and packaging operations.
- Strong technical understanding of low acid aseptic beverage and food safety compliance, including thermal processing and microbiology principles.
- Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement expertise. Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification strongly preferred.
- Exceptional Business Operations and Financial Management expertise with demonstrated P&L oversight, budgeting, forecasting, and cost-control success.
- Food Safety experience working within FDA, GMP and HACCP compliance.
*** Please note, this is a key manufacturing leadership position based at a major manufacturing plant and R&D site. Living and working in the Buffalo/Niagara region is an absolute requirement for this position. ***
Company Description
This position is within a Buffalo Area natural products and nutritional foods spinoff company backed by a major CPG, Dairy and Nutritional Products Manufacturer. It is an incredible opportunity to get on board within an ultra-innovative, fast paced and friendly entrepreneurial environment with an exciting portfolio of new product launches.