Reporting to the CEO, the Vice President of Operations is a progressive leader at the forefront of operational best practices, continuously seeking innovative solutions to drive efficiency, quality, and profitability improvements. The role will require a strong focus on analytical problem-solving, process optimization, and strategic planning. Success in this role looks like improved fill rate, operational agility, cost reduction, product quality, customer satisfaction, and significant revenue growth. Successful candidates will be competitive and roll up their sleeves delivering strategic leadership and tactical execution.
ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Operational Leadership & Transformation
- Lead all operational functions: supply/demand planning, purchasing, sourcing, distribution, logistics, inventory control, and quality
- Build and implement an integrated demand planning system (forecasting, purchasing, inventory management) that aligns Sales, Finance, and Product teams on a unified plan.
- Establish a best-in-class SIOP process to drive forecast accuracy, purchasing discipline, and inventory health.
- Develop and mentor a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, speed, and continuous improvement.
- Act as a strategic advisor to the CEO and executive team, shaping long-term operational strategies to support growth and margin expansion.
Demand & Supply Planning Excellence
- Own forecast accuracy and demand planning, ensuring purchasing aligns with realistic sales expectations.
- Proactively manage order cancellations, POS trends, and retail feedback loops to minimize disruption.
- Drive inventory optimization, balancing service levels with working capital efficiency.
Supply Chain Management & Sourcing
- Manage global supply chain with focus on sourcing and supplier relationships in China and driving diversification with “China+1” regions.
- Negotiate supplier contracts to optimize cost, quality, and delivery performance.
- Travel as needed to oversee supplier audits, quality inspections, and negotiations.
Quality Assurance & Risk Management
- Build scalable QA program to ensure durable, compliant, and consumer-ready products.
- Reduce business risk by implementing robust QA standards and monitoring compliance.
- Anticipate and mitigate risks from tariffs, supply disruptions, and regulatory shifts.
Technology & Analytics
- Champion the selection and deployment of demand planning/purchasing software and ensure integration with NetSuite ERP.
- Use analytics and AI tools to monitor performance, flag risks, and drive real-time decisions.
- Standardize KPI dashboards for forecast accuracy, fill rates, lead times, cost-to-serve, and working capital efficiency.
Cross-functional & Commercial Impact:
- Partner with Sales and Finance to create a unified forecast and ensure demand plans translate into reliable supply.
- Collaborate with Marketing and Product Development to prepare for launches with complete operational readiness.
- Ensure customer satisfaction by reducing backorders, cancellations, and late shipments.
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s Degree in Business or related field
- 10+ years of operational leadership, with experience in a senior operational role in a consumer goods company.
- Demonstrated experience managing global supply chain with focus on sourcing from China.
- Demonstrated success in leading quality programs and building them from the ground up, with a track record of driving improvements in product quality and safety.
- Experience in fast-paced, high-growth environments, with focus on agility and flexibility.
- Strong financial acumen
- Ability to manage operational budgets, optimize costs, and increase profitability.
- Ability to Travel to China and other international locations to manage supplier relationships
LOCATION:
This role is based in Springfield, MO
