Head of Operations

Recruitment Specialist at Curtis Food Recruiters

Ready to lead a high-volume manufacturing operation while also driving commercial growth? Our confidential client, a well-established manufacturer of perishable food items, is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee a production facility in the Orlando area. This is a high-impact role with full P&L ownership, responsible for operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and top-line growth.

The leader will direct a diverse, cross-functional team spanning production, supply chain, sales, and customer engagement.

In this role, you will:

• Lead all aspects of facility operations, ensuring on-time delivery and consistently high-quality products
• Own the P&L, balancing cost management with sales growth initiatives and customer profitability
• Partner with commercial and sales teams to strengthen customer relationships, support key account initiatives, and deliver on service-level commitments
• Serve as a customer-facing leader in joint business planning, quarterly reviews, and plant tours, representing the facility and brand with strategic customers
• Drive profitable growth by aligning manufacturing capabilities with customer demand, new product launches, and category expansion opportunities
• Oversee production, procurement, warehouse, and sales functions to ensure cross-functional alignment and efficiency
• Champion a culture of customer-first execution, ensuring responsiveness to evolving retailer and foodservice partner needs
• Develop and mentor a cross-functional leadership team, fostering collaboration and accountability
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging ERP systems and operational metrics to optimize output and customer service
• Champion employee engagement, retention, and a strong safety and quality culture

Requirements:

• 7+ years in a senior operations or plant leadership role within food manufacturing (fresh produce or perishable goods strongly preferred)
• Proven success managing both operations and commercial accountabilities, including direct customer interaction and sales support
• Demonstrated P&L responsibility with a record of driving both cost efficiencies and revenue growth
• Strong customer-facing experience, ideally with national retail or foodservice accounts, including joint planning and innovation alignment
• Expertise leading in high-SKU, short shelf-life environments with both automated and manual production
• Track record of success in turnaround, growth, or expansion environments
• Hands‑on, floor‑engaged leadership style with strong people management skills

This is a highly visible role for a results‑oriented leader who thrives in dynamic, fast‑paced manufacturing environments and is passionate about building high‑performing teams.

If you or someone you know would be interested in discussing this opportunity, please contact MacKenzie McVay at mackenzie@curtisfood.com.

Seniority level

Director

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Product Management and Project Management

Industries

Food and Beverage Services, Food and Beverage Manufacturing, and Food and Beverage Retail