Vice President of Operations (CPG Manufacturing)

Who We Are

We’re a food company using sustainable ingredients and thoughtful food science to replicate our favorite foods in ways that make them more affordable, less harmful, and really, truly just as delicious. We believe that in our best future, the best foods - the ones we love the most - will not just be earth-friendly, but also easy to afford and hard to resist.

We’ve taken some of your favorite foods – think peanut butter, coffee & chocolate – and recreated them using upcycled ingredients and innovative food science. From food allergies to climate change and unjust labor practices, the foods you love are in serious need of an upgrade. Our Nut-Free Spreads, Bean-Free Coffee & Cocoa-Free Chocolate are top 9 allergen-free, vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO, affordable and most importantly, utterly delicious.

Earlier this year, we were proud to announce our global B2B partnership with Cargill and our $52 million Series A+ raise, in a round co-led by Level One Fund and Horizons Ventures, bringing our total funding raised to over $94 million. This funding is earmarked for hiring additional headcount, meeting greater than anticipated consumer and commercial demand, funding expanded manufacturing facilities, and building out our foodservice channel. It is a great time to join us on our voyage!

How We Work

We’re a rapidly growing team who value diversity in all its forms. We love adding new perspectives and appreciate those who ask questions that help us challenge assumptions, explore new directions, bias towards action, and improve what we’ve already built. We are a group of like-minded difference makers. Curiosity drives our development. We have tenacity and a risk-taking mentality at every level of our organization to keep challenging normalcy. We believe it’s our responsibility to create an environment in which every person can bring their full, authentic selves to work. We push each other to be our best and make every stakeholder  proud. Read more about us by visiting our careers page, learn more about our recent news, and follow along on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Role Introduction 

The Vice President of Operations will play a pivotal role in overseeing and managing the current capacity at our existing plant, as well as spearheading the stand-up, establishment and management of our new plant site in the midwest. This individual will be responsible for ensuring steady-state operations while also facilitating rapid growth and change, increasing quality standards, lowering overhead costs, and enhancing overall operational efficiency. The successful candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing, supply chain management, talent management, and leadership. This is an incredible opportunity for a leader looking for a dynamic and collaborative work environment where you'll have the opportunity to make a significant impact on Voyage’s growth and success.

This is an exempt, supervisory position based at our Oakland, CA HQ location and will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer. 

What you’ll do

• Spearhead and execute the stand-up of our new plant site in the midwest.
• Oversee and manage current capacity at our existing Oakland, California plant.
• Build and lead an effective team of Plant Directors (GMs) to oversee daily operations at both site locations. 
• Drive initiatives to achieve and maintain high-quality standards across all manufacturing processes.
• Identify opportunities to lower overhead costs and increase operational efficiency through process improvements and resource optimization.
• Lead and oversee the supply chain and logistics functions, ensuring seamless coordination and integration of all operational activities.
• Implement talent management strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent within the operations team.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop and implement new lines and processes, including the installation of new systems in existing and new plants.
• Manage inventory effectively to minimize waste and optimize resource utilization.
• Ensure compliance with quality assurance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Utilize financial acumen to conduct rigorous P&L analysis and cost-benefit assessments for operational decisions.
• Demonstrate exceptional leadership and navigational abilities to guide the operations team through periods of change and growth.
• Partner with the Capital Projects department on ongoing initiatives and projects. 
• Leverage international experience to support global initiatives and expansion efforts.
• Lead and facilitate successful, robust commercialization efforts in partnership with R&D, Sales, Marketing, and all other relevant stakeholders.

What makes a great candidate 

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in operations management within the food manufacturing industry, preferably in mid-market companies.
• Extensive experience managing and overseeing multiple production sites across state lines. 
• Proven track record of success in manufacturing leadership roles, with experience in building new lines and processes, as well as improving existing infrastructures.
• Strong project management capabilities, with the ability to thrive in environments with limited resources and information
• Strong track record of building and maintaining cross functional partnerships across Operations, R&D, Finance, Marketing, as well as Sales. 
• Exceptional financial acumen, including experience with P&L analysis and cost-benefit assessments.
• Demonstrated leadership skills and the ability to navigate through complex operational challenges.
• Experience in talent management, supply chain management, and quality assurance.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and able to adapt quickly to changing priorities and business needs.
• Familiarity with international operations (nice to have).

Travel Requirements

• Up to 70% during New Plant Standup
• Up to 30% during Steady State

Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer 

Compensation

United States-based roles only: The Annual salary for this role is between $200,000 and $275,000 plus immediate participation in our benefits program (health, dental, 401k and many others), utilization of our generous paid time off and, where applicable, participation in our incentive programs. All employees are owners of Voyage Foods and receive an equity grant as part of their total package. At Voyage Foods, we approach each individual's compensation with a promise of fair market value and internal equity commensurate with experience and specific skill set.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, Vision Plans 
• STD/LTD, Life and AD&D policies
• FSA, HRA, and Mental Health Program Benefits
• 401K Program
• 20 Floating Holidays + 9 Company Holidays
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Family Leave Program
• Ongoing Team Events, including Weekly Friday Lunches

Voyage Foods is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. Voyage Foods is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, contact Alex Chancellor, SHRM-SCP at alex@voyagefoods.com or (831) 277-0509. 

Voyage Foods will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States for this opening. Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the successful completion of a background check.