VP Manufacturing

Title

VP Manufacturing

Kennewick, WA

You’ve probably enjoyed our fries without even knowing it! As a leading manufacturer in our industry and a public Fortune 500 company, we inspire and bring people together with foods they love and trust. Our customer base includes international food service providers, restaurants, and households in over 100 countries around the world.

A highly innovative global corporation with a start‑up mindset, we empower every individual to make a genuine difference. You’ll gain access to hands‑on training to fuel your growth and success, explore opportunities for new solutions, and join a winning team of 10,000+ people all dedicated to raising the bar together.

If you have a strong drive for results, a desire to help us bring the world together through our fries, and are ready for a fresh challenge, we want to hear from you.

Accountable for multi‑site plant operations that meet safety, quality, cost, volume and customer service criteria. Defines and recommends the strategic direction needed to achieve long‑term operating and profit goals. Utilizes integrated talent management processes to develop and guide next‑level leaders throughout the operations division. Forms short‑ and long‑term operating objectives in talent development, quality improvement, cost reduction, manufacturing/processing efficiency, and new product development.

Develops and implements plans to achieve production volumes and profit projections, ensuring product quality within budget and safety standards are adhered to as a priority. Provides financial reports to management and collaborates across departments to coordinate all aspects of operations efficiently and effectively.

• Embed life safety culture throughout the organization and develop overall operations safety initiatives with Corporate EHS.
• Drive food safety culture and implement overall operations food safety and quality initiatives with Corporate FSQ.
• Foster a ‘Speak Up’ culture rooted in Lamb Weston values.
• Lead plant management to ensure the operational strategic plan aligns with Lamb Weston’s business strategies and is effectively executed.
• Instill a zero‑loss manufacturing culture focused on continuous improvement and world‑class sustainable performance.
• Assess, identify, and develop talent to ensure future leaders are bench‑ready for growth assignments, building capability in the manufacturing organization.
• Set, measure, and improve plant KPIs; coach plant management for excellence in delivering products that meet quality, cost, volume, and service criteria.
• Define and direct the framework and intent of the company’s manufacturing policy.
• Serve as the key decision maker for allocation of company resources (raw product, labor, capital improvement dollars).
• Implement programs that drive sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing and packaging.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• 15+ years progressive experience in a plant manufacturing environment, preferably in food manufacturing and potato processing.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a similar field.
• Experience in large manufacturing operations department management, preferably food processing/manufacturing.
• Proven leadership and management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to assess and develop people.
• Leadership of continuous improvement processes including cost reduction/savings programs, innovation, customer complaint resolution, plant/employee safety and security.
• Food safety and quality management experience within the plant environment and in managing customer relationships.
• Project Management (multi‑functional high‑complexity projects) experience.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record meeting company standards.
• Ability to travel independently domestically and internationally (up to 50% of the time).

• Health Insurance Benefits – Medical, Dental, Vision.
• Flexible Spending Accounts for Health and Dependent Care, and Health Reimbursement Accounts.
• Well‑being programs including company‑wide events and a wellness incentive program.
• Paid Time…