Director of Operations Job at Nexus Search, Chicago, IL

Q2w2eks3OEEwKzFrOUpUMlRjRW5GbDV1U2c9PQ==
  • Nexus Search
  • Chicago, IL

Job Description

Job Description

We are partnered with a a dynamic, private equity-backed ingredients, flavors, and sauces company with ambitious growth plans to triple in size over the next few years . With a strong product portfolio and a growing customer base, we are seeking a seasoned operations leader to help scale the business while driving operational excellence, efficiency, and profitability.

Role Overview

This is a unique, hands-on executive role combining VP of Operations and General Manager responsibilities . The ideal candidate will have a strong operational background in the ingredients, flavors, or food production space and a proven track record of turnarounds and scaling businesses . You will be responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of operations — manufacturing, supply chain, quality, logistics, and continuous improvement — while partnering closely with the CEO and private equity investors to execute aggressive growth plans.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all day-to-day operations across manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, quality, and logistics.
  • Develop and execute strategies to scale the business to $100M+ , ensuring operational processes and infrastructure keep pace with growth.
  • Identify and implement operational improvements, including cost optimization, workflow automation, and process standardization.
  • Drive turnaround initiatives for underperforming areas, ensuring sustainable improvements in efficiency, throughput, and profitability.
  • Partner with private equity stakeholders on strategic initiatives, including M&A, capital projects, and operational performance metrics.
  • Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams, instilling a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
  • Oversee regulatory compliance, food safety standards, and quality assurance programs across all manufacturing and supply chain operations.
  • Collaborate with sales, marketing, and R&D teams to ensure operational alignment with business growth objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Proven operational leadership in the ingredients, flavors, or food production industries.
  • Hands-on experience in high-growth and/or turnaround environments , preferably in a private equity-backed business.
  • Strong financial acumen , with experience managing budgets, P&L, and operational KPIs.
  • Experience leading multi-site manufacturing or co-manufacturing networks a plus.
  • Exceptional problem-solving, project management, and people leadership skills .
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with multiple competing priorities.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced business degree preferred.

Why Join

  • Opportunity to shape the operations of a high-growth, PE-backed company with ambitious expansion plans.
  • Work closely with seasoned leadership and investors to execute strategic initiatives and make a tangible impact.
  • Lead a passionate, high-performing team dedicated to excellence and innovation in the ingredients and flavors industry.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs

Northeast Healthcare Recruitment

Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant Job at Northeast Healthcare Recruitment

 ...Job Description Job Description We are seeking anexperienced and compassionate Emergency Medicine Nurse Practitioner orPhysician Assistant to join our team in beautiful Littleton, NH. This is afull-time opportunity offering a competitive compensation and benefits... 

ProCare Therapy

8th Grade 3rd Grade Speech-Language Pathologist in Ozark, AL Job at ProCare Therapy

 ...qualifications will not be considered. A full-time Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)...  ...through 12th grade), is highly valued. Both part-time and full-time candidates will be considered...  ...-language pathology and a commitment to helping students succeed are invited to apply... 

Tailored Management

Warehouse Representative Job at Tailored Management

 ...8am - 5pm (1 hr lunch break), training schedule is the same Target Start Date: ASAP, pending completion of new hire onboarding...  ...Warehouse Services and business/operating processes and procedures. Works to clearly defined procedures under close supervision. 3 Non-Negotiable... 

CarMax

Mechanic Job at CarMax

 ...customers, ensuring they are safe and reliable. The Automotive Apprentice will learn to repair engines, adjust steering and suspension,...  ...quickly and effectively Build experience as an automotive mechanic across a wide range of domestic and foreign vehicles Follow... 

Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Littleton

Registered Nurse (RN) Job at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Littleton

 ...as a Registered Nurse becomes an integral part of patients' recoveries. Picture the impact...  ..., dental, and vision plans for both full-time and part-time employees and their families...  ...our patients. Qualifications Valid RN licensures as required by state regulations...