VP Operations - Protein Solutions & Taura

Job overview

This leadership role is responsible for steering a global manufacturing network for Protein Solutions and Taura. The position focuses on building a safe, dependable, efficient, and customer-oriented operating model across multiple sites, while helping shape the long-term direction of the business.

Tastepoint by IFF is part of a global organization serving the flavors, fragrances, food ingredients, and health and biosciences markets. The company develops sustainable innovations that improve everyday products, with a strong focus on food ingredient solutions that enhance nutrition, taste, texture, and cost efficiency for global food and beverage manufacturers.

The role is ideally located in the United States, although candidates based in Brazil or Europe may also be considered.

Key responsibilities

• Direct the complete manufacturing network for Protein Solutions and Taura, ensuring operations are safe, reliable, cost-conscious, and centered on customer needs across several sites.
• Create and implement the manufacturing strategy to support growth, customer expectations, and long-term competitiveness.
• Drive ongoing improvement efforts across the network to strengthen safety, quality, service, cost, productivity, and asset performance.
• Improve the manufacturing footprint, capacity, and use of assets through capital planning, expansion decisions, rationalization, and productivity gains.
• Manage the manufacturing budget and capital investment plan with a focus on productivity, financial discipline, and return on investment.
• Ensure all sites comply with company policies and applicable regulatory, environmental, food safety, and quality requirements.
• Coach and develop plant managers and site leaders to build stronger capability, accountability, engagement, and succession across the network.
• Promote the adoption of manufacturing technologies, automation, and digital systems that enhance visibility, control, reliability, and performance.
• Work closely with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Finance, R&D, and commercial stakeholders to align manufacturing capability with business priorities and customer requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or a closely related discipline.
• At least 15 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, with substantial responsibility for plant operations, quality, engineering, EHS, and continuous improvement.
• Experience leading complex, multi-site manufacturing operations within a global matrix organization.
• Strong history of improving operational excellence, productivity, cost performance, and organizational culture in demanding industrial settings.
• Background in food ingredients, chemicals, or another regulated process manufacturing environment.
• Solid financial understanding, including ownership of operating budgets, capital plans, productivity pipelines, and performance against financial goals.
• Proven ability to develop leaders, create high-performing teams, and strengthen organizational capability and succession planning.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to align stakeholders and build support for manufacturing strategies.
• Willingness to travel regularly to manufacturing sites both within the country and internationally as required.
• Preferred qualifications include an advanced degree in Engineering, Operations, Business, or a related area.
• Additional advantage for candidates with experience in large capital projects, network optimization, footprint decisions, transformation programs, change management, or digital manufacturing initiatives.

Why this role stands out

• Lead a nine-plant manufacturing network spanning two business segments.
• Take on a high-impact scope that helps define operations strategy in line with growth, customer needs, and financial goals.
• Gain broad leadership exposure through close collaboration with Supply Chain, Quality, Engineering, Finance, business leadership, and commercial teams.
• Influence network performance, capacity planning, productivity, and continuous improvement at scale.
• Help drive digital adoption, automation, and cultural change across multiple sites.
• Enjoy location flexibility, with the United States preferred and Brazil or Europe also considered.

About the company

Tastepoint by IFF is part of a global leader in taste, scent, and nutrition. The organization offers a wide portfolio of natural solutions and supports growth through innovation. It is committed to building an inclusive workplace where people can contribute authentically regardless of background, identity, orientation, religion, or disability.

Equal opportunity and inclusion

The company values diversity across ethnicity, national origin, race, age, sex, veteran status, religion, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, and disability. It aims to provide an inclusive environment where every colleague can bring their authentic self to work.