Vice President of Operations

About Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches

Located in Richmond, VA, Nightingale Ice Cream Sandwiches started in 2016 as a small kitchen and has quickly evolved into one of the nation's fastest-growing premium ice cream brands. Their mission centers on bringing joy through crafting the finest ice cream sandwiches using high-quality, handcrafted methods.

Position Overview

The Vice President of Operations will oversee all facets of manufacturing operations, including production management, maintenance, warehousing, continuous improvement efforts, safety protocols, and strategic planning. This role is pivotal in creating scalable operational systems to facilitate Nightingale's transition from a regional producer to a national brand without compromising product quality or food safety.

Primary Responsibilities

• Provide leadership for manufacturing operations spanning production, warehouse, maintenance, engineering, planning, and continuous improvement.
• Formulate and execute operational strategies aligned with rapid business growth and expansion.
• Establish and track KPIs, ensuring accountability across teams.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives to drive operational excellence.
• Embed quality and food safety into every process, safeguarding compliance with FDA, customer, and regulatory standards.
• Optimize production scheduling, labor utilization, and throughput without compromising craftsmanship.
• Lead maintenance programs and oversee capital projects including automation and facility growth.
• Manage demand forecasting, inventory balances, and supply risk to support retail, foodservice, and direct-to-consumer channels.
• Develop and oversee operations budget while identifying cost-saving opportunities through improved processes.
• Implement and refine key operational systems such as ERP and WMS, and maintain dashboards providing real-time supply chain insights.
• Build and guide high-performing leadership teams fostering a collaborative, respectful, and results-oriented culture.

Candidate Qualifications

• More than 10 years in progressive manufacturing leadership roles, including 5+ years managing multi-department operations within food manufacturing.
• Experience in fast-growing consumer packaged goods firms, especially in frozen foods, dairy, bakery, or premium foods preferred.
• Proficiency in demand planning and Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), particularly in perishable and seasonal product categories.
• Demonstrated expertise with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methods.
• Proven ability to lead large teams effectively with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Bachelor's degree mandatory, preferably in Engineering, Operations, Food Science, or related disciplines.

Measures of Success

• Develop scalable operational infrastructure that supports company growth milestones.
• Enhance manufacturing efficiency and product quality simultaneously.
• Achieve outstanding cold chain distribution metrics including fill rates and on-time delivery.
• Drive waste reduction and cost efficiency through process innovation.
• Build and mentor strong operational leaders within the organization.
• Successfully manage capital investments like automation equipment and facility expansions.
• Maintain exemplary food safety and quality standards to protect brand reputation.
• Create an inclusive work environment that employees value and support.

Core Company Values

• Uncompromising product excellence.
• Absolute commitment to food safety and quality assurance.
• Dedicated continuous improvement as an everyday practice.
• Strong execution of objectives from planning to results.
• Emphasis on teamwork and family-oriented success.

Why Join?

This role offers the chance to influence a rapidly expanding premium frozen dessert brand in the U.S. Working closely with an entrepreneurial and innovative leadership group, the VP of Operations will tackle challenging operational issues, lead talented teams, and help produce products that delight customers nationwide.