What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President - Operations position at ProAmpac?
ProAmpac is seeking an experienced and results‑driven Vice President of Operations to lead manufacturing performance, operational strategy, and continuous improvement for a major U.S. division within our North American platform. This role has responsibility for a complex, multi‑site network of more than 10 manufacturing locations and it is a critical leadership position within ProAmpac’s operating model.
Reporting directly to the US Consumer Division President, the VP of Operations will be accountable for safety, quality, service, cost, and asset performance across a diverse flexible packaging footprint. The role requires a strong hands‑on operator who can drive execution while also contributing at a strategic level, partnering closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR leaders to deliver profitable growth, margin expansion, and operational scalability.
This is a high‑impact opportunity to shape operational excellence within a private‑equity‑backed, growth‑oriented packaging leader known for innovation, customer intimacy, and execution speed.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Business Performance
Reporting directly to the US Consumer Division President, the VP of Operations will be accountable for safety, quality, service, cost, and asset performance across a diverse flexible packaging footprint. The role requires a strong hands‑on operator who can drive execution while also contributing at a strategic level, partnering closely with Commercial, Supply Chain, Finance, and HR leaders to deliver profitable growth, margin expansion, and operational scalability.
This is a high‑impact opportunity to shape operational excellence within a private‑equity‑backed, growth‑oriented packaging leader known for innovation, customer intimacy, and execution speed.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership & Business Performance
- Provide overall leadership and accountability for manufacturing operations, spanning multiple technologies, product types, and customer end‑markets
- Own operational performance against key metrics including safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and EBITDA contribution
- Establish a disciplined operating cadence with standardized KPIs, tiered performance reviews, and clear accountability at all levels
- Partner with Finance to manage cost structures, productivity initiatives, and operational forecasts
- Lead a safety‑first culture with an unwavering commitment to zero harm
- Ensure compliance with all regulatory, environmental, food safety, and customer quality standards (e.g., SQF, BRC, ISO where applicable)
- Drive for consistency and rigor in quality systems while maintaining agility to meet customer‑specific requirements
- Drive an operational excellence framework (Lean, Six Sigma, TPM, OEE optimization, etc.)
- Identify, pilot, and scale best practices across plants to improve efficiency, throughput, yield, and asset reliability
- Drive waste reduction, material optimization, and sustainability‑aligned initiatives consistent with ProAmpac’s ESG commitments
- Evaluate and optimize manufacturing footprint, capacity utilization, and technology deployment to support growth and margin objectives
- Lead capital planning and execution for automation, expansion, and capability upgrades with a strong ROI focus
- Support integration and operational stabilization of acquired businesses as part of ProAmpac’s growth strategy
- Build, lead, and develop a high‑performing operations leadership team, including direct oversight of plant and regional leaders
- Drive leadership development, succession planning, and bench strength across manufacturing operations
- Reinforce ProAmpac’s performance‑driven, customer‑focused culture while fostering engagement, accountability, and collaboration
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or a related discipline, MBA or advanced degree preferred
- 15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including senior responsibility for multi‑site operations
- Proven experience leading large‑scale, asset‑intensive manufacturing organizations
- Demonstrated success driving operational improvements, cost productivity, and margin expansion in complex environments
- Strong financial and business acumen with experience managing capital investments and P&L levers
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast‑paced, private‑equity‑backed or performance-oriented business environment
- Experience in flexible packaging, packaging, converting, or related manufacturing industries
- Experience managing both union and non‑union operations preferred
- Proven track record of leading change, standardization, and growth in decentralized organizations
- Enterprise Operator: Balances divisional priorities with enterprise‑wide alignment
- Execution Oriented Leadeshipr: Drives results through rigor, discipline, and accountability
- Change Leader: Comfortable leading transformation while maintaining operational continuity
- Collaborative Partner: Works effectively across Commercial, R&D, Supply Chain, and corporate functions
- People Builder: Invests deeply in leadership capability and organizational strength