Job Description

- Vice President of Operations

Location:

Windsor, ON (On-site, with flexibility for travel)

Reports To:

Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Department:

Operations & Production

Position Overview

Cedar Valley is seeking a Vice President of Operations to lead and scale our manufacturing and production capabilities. This is a pivotal executive role that requires both

strategic leadership

and

hands-on operational expertise

. The VP of Operations will have full responsibility for

manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, shipping, quality, food safety, and maintenance/engineering

, ensuring best-in-class operational excellence while fostering a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement.

The successful candidate will be a proven operator with a track record in food manufacturing who thrives in fast-paced, growth-driven environments. As Cedar Valley expands its U.S. and Canadian footprint and transitions to a new ~ 35,000 sq ft facility, this leader will ensure operational readiness and drive the systems, processes, and teams required to meet the company's ambitious growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Strategy

Develop and execute operational strategies that align with Cedar Valley's growth objectives. Lead day-to-day production and supply chain operations, ensuring efficiency, throughput, and adherence to all safety, quality, and cost standards. Translate the plant and operations vision into tactical actions and deploy teams effectively. Introduce greater visibility into results, leveraging KPIs and analytics to measure performance, improve decision-making, and redirect resources as needed. Manage capital projects, facility expansions, and large-scale operational transitions.

Quality, Food Safety & Compliance

Implement world-class food safety and quality control systems to maintain consistency and compliance (SQF, HACCP, BRC or equivalent). Foster a culture of accountability in quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Partner with R&D and Innovation teams to improve product life cycle management and support new product introductions.

Team Leadership & Culture

Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing manufacturing organization, including production, logistics, supply chain, engineering, and quality teams. Recruit, train, and retain top talent, fostering a collaborative, hands-on culture rooted in efficiency, safety, and continuous learning. Promote positive employee and labour relations while embedding Cedar Valley's core values across the organization.

Supply Chain, Logistics & Vendor Partnerships

Oversee supply chain, logistics, and shipping functions, ensuring customer needs are met on time and in full. Develop strong, collaborative relationships with strategic suppliers to unlock innovation, reliability, and competitive advantage. Work closely with Sales, Demand Planning, and Finance to align production schedules, optimize costs, and maintain strong vendor relationships.

Safety, Maintenance & Sustainability

Champion a safe working environment with robust OHS programs, accident prevention initiatives, and compliance with environmental regulations. Oversee root cause analysis and corrective/preventative actions for any non-compliance issues. Drive best-in-class preventative maintenance programs, focusing on reliability improvement and sustainable capital reinvestment. Implement strategies that reduce energy use, minimize waste, and improve sustainability.

Qualifications

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in

food manufacturing operations

, with at least 5 years in a

plant leadership or VP-level role

. Proven success in

building and managing teams

in high-growth, fast-paced environments. Strong expertise in

process improvement, LEAN principles, and continuous improvement programs

. Deep understanding of

food safety, regulatory compliance, and certifications

. Active "floor presence" leadership style, able to balance strategic oversight with day-to-day execution. Demonstrated success managing

capital projects, facility expansions, and large-scale transitions

. Strong communication, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, including experience engaging in DEI initiatives. Critical thinker with strong business acumen and the ability to translate strategy into practical execution. Entrepreneurial and collaborative leadership mindset with a track record of driving sustained results.

What We Offer

A pivotal leadership role in a rapidly growing Canadian food company with expanding U.S. presence. The opportunity to lead operations strategy while staying closely connected to the plant floor and execution. Competitive compensation, benefits, and performance-based incentives. A dynamic, entrepreneurial, family-founded culture that values innovation, quality, and growth.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $150,000.00-$200,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental care Extended health care Life insurance On-site parking
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Windsor, ON N8W 5H8