VP of Operations

VP of Operations

About Firestone Pacific Foods

Firestone Pacific Foods (FPF) is a top-tier, efficient processor of frozen fruit that has earned a strong reputation in the market for quality and food safety.  FPF has sales relationships with leading US and international food retailers and US food service companies.  The company is well positioned to achieve high double-digit annual growth in the highest growth frozen fruit category sub-segments including organic, private label and blended berry products. 

Agriculture Capital Fund II, an impact investment fund, acquired FPF in the fall of 2019 as part of its strategy to build out a low cost, vertically integrated supply chain of high quality, organic blueberries operating at scale to address growing global demand for this nutritious fruit. Together, FPF and Agriculture Capital seek to provide customers with product traceability back to the farm and a vehicle for creating and capturing value from Agriculture Capital’s regenerative agronomic practices. 

The Firestone Family began farming in the Vancouver, WA, in 1896.  We are a fully integrated grower processing operation for domestic and export fruit customers. Our fruit is harvested at the peak of ripeness, processed in our state-of-the art facility, and packed for shipment, ensuring quality in every product from the farm where it was grown to the finished bag in the consumer’s freezer.

The Vice President of Operations is a key executive leader responsible for driving operational excellence, efficiency, and profitability. Reporting directly to the CEO, this role ensures seamless execution of manufacturing strategies, optimizing resources, and maintaining the highest standards of product quality and regulatory compliance. The VP will lead cross-functional teams including production, quality, transportation, logistics, purchasing and warehouse to foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity and cost-effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute manufacturing operations strategies aligned with company objectives and customer demands.
• Operational Management: Oversee all aspects of manufacturing operations, including production, quality control, supply chain, and logistics.
• Technology & Innovation: Build an adaptable organization capable of integrating new automation and process improvements.
• Team & Culture Development: Establish a high-performance culture, fostering teamwork, morale, and professional development among operations and plant staff.
• Financial Performance: Improve product line gross margins by optimizing processes and controlling operational costs.
• Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with FDA regulations and other relevant industry standards.
• Communication & Collaboration: Strengthen internal communication across corporate and plant levels, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Production Oversight: Lead manufacturing and production facility management to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality food products.
• Quality & Safety: Oversee sanitation, environmental cleaning, allergen control, and product safety programs.
• Cost Control & Waste Reduction: Establish cost control measures, minimize waste, and improve production efficiency.
• Performance Analysis: Assess financial reports and production data to identify opportunities for cost savings and process enhancements.
• Process & Policy Development: Establish and enforce operational policies related to material usage, production planning, and employee relations to drive operational excellence.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s degree in business, Operations Management, Engineering, or a related field.
  • MBA or equivalent advanced degree preferred.
• Experience:
  • 10 years of leadership experience in operations, manufacturing, or supply chain management.
  • Proven track record in multi-team leadership and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Previous P&L responsibility preferred.
  • Strong understanding of manufacturing best practices, Lean, Six Sigma, or related methodologies.
• Skills & Competencies:
  • Strong business acumen with the ability to drive strategic initiatives.
  • Excellent leadership and team-building skills.
  • Analytical mindset with problem-solving capabilities and attention to detail.
  • Proven ability to implement process improvements and optimize operations.
  • Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Ability to perform under pressure and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).

Company Benefits  

• 8 paid holidays  
• Paid Sick Time
• Full-time, exempt employees receive vacation based on length of service. 
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Medical- United Health Care 
• Dental- Principal  
• Vision- Principal, company paid for employees.  
• 401(K)- Company matches up to 4%  
• This position is bonus eligible 

This document describes the general nature and level of work performed by personnel assigned to this job classification. This document is not, however, an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned.  Firestone Pacific Foods reserves the right to add, revise, or delete job duties at any time.

Firestone Pacific Foods, Inc. is both Equal Opportunity, and At Will employer. The company does not discriminate on basis of race, age, sex, religion, marital status, or sexual orientation. Either Company or Employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time for any legally permissible reason. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified candidates/employees with disabilities.