VP of Operations/Dairy Manufacturing in Chicago

Job Description

VP of Operations – Multi-Site Cheese Manufacturing 📍 Based in Illinois/Wisconsin | 🧀 Dairy/Cheese Industry | 🏭 Multi-Site Operations Leadership

A well-established, family-owned dairy manufacturing company with over 50 years of success is seeking a seasoned operations executive to oversee multi-site cheese production facilities. This is a rare opportunity to step into a high-impact leadership role at a company that values long-term growth, operational excellence, and a strong team culture.

About the Role:

We’re hiring a VP of Operations with a proven track record in cheese manufacturing and multi-site plant leadership. In this role, you'll be responsible for end-to-end operational performance across several facilities, implementing best practices in production, food safety, and team management. You'll play a key role in capital projects, strategic planning, and scaling operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple cheese production sites in Illinois and Wisconsin
• Lead, mentor, and develop plant leaders and operations teams
• Drive productivity, quality, and safety standards across all locations
• Manage capital projects, including equipment installations and facility upgrades
• Ensure compliance with food safety and quality standards including SQF and HACCP
• Promote continuous improvement and lean manufacturing practices
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align operations with business goals
• Travel regularly between facilities (travel is required)

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations
• 5+ years in a multi-site leadership role
• Direct experience in cheese manufacturing within the dairy industry (Required)
• Proven success managing capital projects and plant upgrades
• Strong mechanical aptitude and understanding of production machinery
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to travel regularly between locations in IL and WI
• Bachelors Degree in engineering, Operations Management, Food Science, or related Field
• Experience managing large-scale operations and cross-functional teams
• Familiarity with food safety systems (SQF, HACCP) and quality programs
• Knowledge of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologie

Why Join This Team:

• Join a values-driven, family-owned business with a strong reputation and growth trajectory
• Influence high-level operations strategy while staying connected to plant-level execution
• Lead empowered teams and help shape a collaborative, results-driven culture
• Receive a competitive compensation and benefits package

SALARY: $200K TO 240K (20% BONUS)

If you're a driven operational leader with deep roots in cheese manufacturing and a passion for building strong teams and scalable systems, we want to hear from you.

Apply today and help lead the next chapter of this company's success.

SUBMIT YOUR RESUME TO linda.powell@gogpac.com

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations. GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.