VP of Operations and Manufacturing

SUMMARY:

We are seeking a principled leader and systems-driven architect to lead our manufacturing operations. This role is designed for a VP who balances high-level critical thinking with a "roll-up-the-sleeves" approach to team building. You will be responsible for the seamless integration of people, processes, and software to drive our next phase of scaling in the Cannabis/CPG sector.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Leadership & Team Investment

• Build & Mentor: Architect the organizational structure of the manufacturing teams. You are responsible for defining the right seats in your org chart and building top-tier talent by actively investing in your team's professional development.
• Transparent Communication: Act as the primary conduit for operational clarity. You will maintain a culture of transparency, ensuring every team member understands the "why" behind the "what."
• Consensus Building: Work cross-functionally with Sales, Marketing, and Finance to share insights and build consensus.

Systems Architecture & ERP Management

• Process Orientation: Design, document, and enforce rigorous SOPs that ensure safety, quality, and repeatability across all major operational functions.
• Digital Transformation: Serve as the internal champion for continuously growing our data collection and solutions architecture. You will ensure that technology is not just implemented, but fully adopted and optimized to provide real-time visibility for decision making.
• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Apply a first-principles approach to identifying bottlenecks. You don't just fix symptoms; you diagnose and solve root-cause systemic issues.

Operational Execution

• Strategic Rollouts: Lead the end-to-end execution of continuous improvement initiatives such as automation upgrades, product line extensions, GMP, etc.
• Integrated Supply Chain Management: Direct end-to-end supply chain operations, including strategic sourcing, procurement, and logistics. Implement robust S&OP (Sales and Operations Planning) processes to optimize inventory levels, forecast accuracy, and material flow, ensuring continuity of supply and minimizing risk.
• Quality & Regulatory Compliance: Establish, champion, and enforce a world-class Quality Management System (QMS) and drive a culture of quality-first. Oversee all internal and external audits and compliance readiness.
• Facility & Infrastructure Stewardship: Manage all manufacturing facility operations, including preventative maintenance, utility optimization, capital equipment planning, and facilities expansion/layout design. Ensure a safe, compliant, and highly-efficient physical plant.
• Advanced Automation & Continuous Improvement (CI): Spearhead the identification, justification, and execution of automation and digital manufacturing initiatives. Lead the implementation of CI methodologies (e.g., Lean, Six Sigma) to eliminate waste, improve process capability, and dramatically increase throughput and yield.
• P&L & Efficiency: Own the operational budget (OpEx and CapEx). Utilize granular, data-driven insights to analyze labor utilization, optimize unit economics, and drive tangible cost reduction initiatives without compromising quality or safety standards.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Executive Leadership & Strategic Influence: A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership in a high-velocity manufacturing environment (CPG, Food/Beverage, or Pharma preferred). Proven ability to drive teams through rapid scaling and significant organizational transformation.
• Systems Mastery: Deep, demonstrable expertise in Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, NetSuite, Acumatica), specifically leveraging these platforms to integrate and optimize complex manufacturing operations.
• Cross-Functional Synergy: A track record of actively dismantling organizational silos. You champion collaborative problem-solving and empower teams at every level, favoring distributed intelligence over unilateral, top-down mandates.
• Data-Driven Strategist: Exceptional critical thinking skills with the proven ability to translate complex operational data into clear, actionable, and executive-ready strategies that drive measurable business outcomes.
• Versatile Communicator: Possesses the gravitas to command a Board of Directors meeting and the practical, empathetic approach to effectively coach a shift lead on the production floor.

White Ash Group and the companies it represents are Equal Employment Opportunity employers that values the strength of diversity within the workplace. All qualified applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, nationality, age, disability or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law, are strongly encouraged to apply.