VP of Operations

Job title: VP of Operations

Location: Glendale Heights IL *must be based in IL within a 1-2 hr drive to/from Glendale Heights*
Reports to: CEO

Job type: Full-time

Overview:

NSI is a leading player in the natural private label food industry dedicated to providing high-quality organic and sustainably sourced food products to consumers. We are focused on building a high-performing scalable operation that can support continued business growth. As we continue to expand we are looking for a strategic and hands-on VP of Operations to lead our operations and help take our manufacturing and logistics network to the next level. This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who combines operational excellence strong leadership commercial instincts data-driven decision-making and a passion for building scalable systems and partnerships.

Mission:

The VP of Operations will lead and scale NSIs operations by ensuring we operate better today while building the capabilities and network required for tomorrows growth. The role has a dual focus:

• Optimize and transform our existing operations through stronger planning forecasting inventory management systems processes data and performance management.
• Develop and scale our manufacturing network by strengthening existing partnerships developing new co-packers and co-manufacturers and building strategic 3PL and operational partnerships.

Key objectives:

• Planning & Forecasting: Develop and lead a strong S&OP and planning process that improves demand visibility capacity planning inventory management and operational decision-making.
• Operational Performance: Improve OTIF service levels quality food safety reliability and overall operational execution.
• Operational Margin: Own the Operations P&L and identify opportunities to improve operational margins control costs and prevent unnecessary cost increases.
• Manufacturing Network: Diversify strengthen and scale NSIs U.S. co-packer and co-manufacturing network to support growth improve reliability and reduce operational risk.
• Logistics Network: Develop and optimize the U.S. 3PL and logistics network to improve service capacity flexibility and cost competitiveness.
• Inventory: Improve inventory planning and management to balance customer service working capital supply continuity and operational efficiency.
• Systems Data & Automation: Transform how Operations uses data technology automation and AI to improve visibility efficiency forecasting and decision-making.
• Organization & Leadership: Build a high-performing Operations organization with clear ownership accountability and the capabilities needed to support NSIs growth.

Key responsibilities:

1. Planning Forecasting & Operational Excellence

• Lead S&OP demand forecasting capacity planning inventory and operational performance.
• Drive improvements in OTIF service levels quality efficiency and operational margins.

2. Manufacturing Network Development

• Build strengthen and diversify NSIs U.S. co-packer and co-manufacturing network.
• Develop strategic partnerships and negotiate agreements that support capacity quality service scalability and cost competitiveness.

3. Logistics & Strategic Partnerships

• Develop and optimize NSIs U.S. 3PL and logistics network.
• Build strong partner relationships while ensuring performance reliability scalability and competitive commercial terms.

4. Systems Data Automation & AI

• Modernize operations through better systems data visibility reporting automation and AI.
• Establish KPIs and dashboards that enable faster data-driven decision-making.

5. Quality & Food Safety

• Partner with Quality to maintain strong food safety quality and operational standards across the manufacturing network.
• Ensure partners consistently meet NSI requirements and performance expectations.

6. Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead and develop a high-performing Operations organization with clear accountability and ownership.
• Build a culture of continuous improvement collaboration and execution.

7. Executive Partnership

• Partner closely with the CEO and executive team to translate company strategy into operational priorities.
• Challenge assumptions identify opportunities and bring solutions that support NSIs growth.

The ideal candidate will have:

• 15 years of relevant experience in operations manufacturing supply chain or a related field.
• Significant experience managing a complex network of U.S. food manufacturing facilities co-packers co-manufacturers and/or strategic manufacturing partners.
• Experience managing a large network; experience with 50 facilities or partners is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of food manufacturing and food safety.
• Proven experience leading S&OP demand planning forecasting capacity planning inventory planning production and logistics.
• Experience with ERP MRP MPS or similar planning and operational systems.
• Demonstrated experience implementing systems dashboards reporting automation or data infrastructure.
• Experience applying AI automation or advanced technology to Operations is highly valued.
• Strong contract and commercial negotiation experience particularly with third party manufacturers.
• Proven ability to build and manage strategic third-party manufacturing relationships.
• Experience owning or significantly influencing an Operations P&L and improving operational margins is highly desirable.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 2530% of the time.

Work environment:

• Illinois-based remote role. Candidates must reside in Illinois and be able to work remotely with regular travel to NSIs offices for in-person team collaboration leadership meetings strategic planning and other business needs.
• Travel of approximately 2530% is required to visit co-packing/co-manufacturing partners 3PLs industry partners and other operational sites.

NSI is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all.

Please direct all recruiting and candidate inquiries to

Contacting other team members or departments will result in your message not being reviewed.

Required Experience:

Senior Exec