Vice President of Operations

Vice President of OperationsThe Vice President of Operations (VPO) is responsible for providing strategic and tactical leadership and oversight for Southern Minnesota Beet Sugar Cooperative's (SMBSC) operations, including engineering, safety, waste water treatment plant, environmental affairs, and research and technical services departments, maintenance, supply chain, and activities. The VPO will serve as a valued member of the executive leadership team and function as a strategic and operational partner. The VPO helps SMBSC reach the overall mission by (1) helping to determine the future direction and goals of the organization, (2) leading implementation efforts, and (3) ensuring the company's financial health and its ability to create long-term shareholder value.Essential Functions:Oversees operations departments to plan, organize, and direct employees to run optimum day-to-day operations to meet the company's budgetary needs and goals as well as the customer's demand without compromising safety, quality, and environmental complianceDevelops, monitors, implements, and evaluates strategies in alignment with strategic initiatives, safety, quality, and environmental compliance to provide a clear sense of direction and focusMonitors operations and assists managers and supervisors to trigger corrective actionsDevelops systems and processes to track and optimize productivity, standards, metrics, and performance targets to ensure maximum production at minimum cost; communicates results to a variety of audiences including the SMBSC Board of Directors (BOD)Works with legal team to respond to environmental, safety, and quality issuesWorks with management team to negotiate Collective Bargaining AgreementWorks closely with the CEO and BOD to develop and implement operational strategies that drive results, maximize revenues, minimize expenses, and mitigate riskTraining and Development:Coaches, develops, monitors and evaluates Executive Director of Continuous Process Improvement and Product Development and the Executive Director of Risk; assists with goal setting; and sets employment expectations through personal and employee accountabilityAssists direct reports to coach, develop, and mentor their team members, which includes: providing resources to increase individual knowledge, conducting regular reviews evaluating performance, working with employees to mitigate opportunities for improvement, and building employee development plans to assist employees in progressing their careersLeadership:Offers leadership by strengthening internal communications with staff at all levels throughout the Company; creates and promotes a positive and supportive work environment that promotes housekeeping and safetyServes on leadership committees aimed at creating an Employer of Choice cultureOversees and approves the formulation of annual operating and capital budgets for operations departments; recommends and maintains budgeting allocation for needs based on SMBSC's established financial guidelines and business planning processAdvises the Executive Team about technical issues related to existing business and ensures compliance with safety, quality, and environmental-related itemsProvides subject matter expertise on operations topics to Executive Team, the SMBSC BOD and other vested partnersAttends staff and board meetings as necessaryMaintains memberships and affiliations with trade and/or professional organizations related to the companyCore Competencies and Skill Requirements:Expert understanding of factory operations including production and maintenanceSuperior understanding of and commitment to safety, quality, and the environmentBroad understanding of environmental laws and regulationsProficient analytical and critical thinking skillsExcellent written and oral communication skillsStrong conflict management and resolution skillsDesired Education and Experience:Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, or Business Administration preferred but not necessary based on experience15-20 years of experience in the manufacturing5-10 years of experience working as a Factory ManagerEqual Opportunity Employer This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

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