Fufeng USA, Inc. has retained with the Sikich Human Capital Management Advisory Team to identify a Vice President of Operations & Manufacturing to join their executive leadership team.

Company Overview 

Fufeng USA Incorporated is a subsidiary of Fufeng Group Limited; a global leading bio‐fermentation company that manufactures products for the fast‐growing animal nutrition, food & beverage, pharmaceutical, health & wellness, personal care, and oil & gas industries. Founded in 1999, Fufeng Group now has over 15,000 employees globally and is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of monosodium glutamate, Xanthan Gum, and Amino Acid.

This position will report to the Vice President of Overseas Development/Chairman of the Board of Fufeng USA.

*Key Requirement*

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a greenfield construction project with the plant located in Tuscola, IL. Initially, this role will be based in Oak Brook IL, with travel to the site as needed. Once construction of the plant, begins, the selected individual will be required to reside in or near Tuscola, IL, and work onsite.

The ideal remote candidates may reside in Illinois areas such as Oak Brook, Champaign, or Douglas County. Those outside Illinois should live in the Midwest or neighboring states to ensure proximity for travel to the project site.

Job Summary

The Vice President of Operations will oversee and lead the construction of the plant starting in 2025 with an expected completion of late 2026/early 2027. This will be an 800 million multiunit campus consisting of over 20 buildings. Then will oversee and coordinate all of the facility functional departments to deliver both the short and long-term goals of Fufeng USA’s new manufacturing plant. They will achieve these goals while ensuring the facility is operating safely, with high quality, and in an ethical and highly regulatory compliant manner. The Vice President of Operations will deploy human, capital, and technical resources effectively in a productive, cost-effective manner empowering the workforce to drive continued improved results. This individual will be the key point of contact with local government and the community representing a 200+ workforce. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides leadership to key stakeholders to ensure the facility is operating to the highest standards of safety, quality, GMP, regulatory, environmental, cost-control, continuous improvement, reliability, and order fulfillment.
• Plans, organize, and oversee the manufacture of products so they are produced to the highest standards meeting our customers’ expectations and are delivered on time.
• Leads a complex organization of over 230 employees consisting of Production, Engineering, Maintenance, Finance, EHS, and Quality. Seven direct reports and two indirect reports.
• As a member of the U.S. executive team; partners with peers in Finance, Human Resources, Sales & Marketing, and Supply Chain to deliver the overall goals of the business. Key liaison and representative between Manufacturing and the U.S. executive team.
• Ensures all regulatory and legal requirements are met all of the time.
• Develops all of the standard operating procedures and management systems for the site with collaborative input from the team. Ensures the staff is trained and maintains strict compliance so the plant operates in a consistent and reliable manner.  
• Drive initiatives that minimize manufacturing costs through effective utilization of manpower, equipment, facilities, materials, and capital.
• Assure attainment of business objectives and productions schedules.
• Maintain skills by keeping up to date with the latest production and production management concepts.
• Drives continuous improvement in all activities and believes in and supports Lean Six Sigma principles.
• Accurately budgets and provide forecasts on the plant’s production and expected performance and then sets up the management structure and tracking to meet those budgets and forecasts. 
• Oversees and participates in the recruitment, hiring, and training of manufacturing employees.
• Anticipates the future needs of the facility and develops training plans to ensure needs are met on time.
• Leads a diverse workforce by building a culture of mutual respect, teamwork, and professionalism, demonstrating active support of the Company’s values and policies.
• Performs all other duties as assigned.

Education/Experience/Competencies for Success

• Bachelor / Master’s degree in chemical / mechanical / process engineering or equivalent experience with a strong technical affinity.
• 12+ years in a Complex Manufacturing Management in a Food and Beverage, Agriculture or Chemical industry with recent experience in start-up and midsize manufacturing companies leading an organization of 75+ people.
• Experience in overseeing Engineering, Construction and Commissioning of a new facility is preferred.
• Working knowledge of ERP and MRP business systems.
• Working knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Quality Management Systems.
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office and computer skills.
• Competitive with a strong drive for delivering results.
• Good strategic thinking and strong negotiating skills.
• Comfortable operating in an environment of ambiguity.
• Strong observation, analytical, numerical reasoning, business acumen and leadership skills.
• Ability to adapt to fast-paced, high pressure and changing environments.
• Challenges the status quo and creative in solving problems.
• Exceptional communication (verbal, written and presentation) skills.
• Ability to succeed in a team environment and deliver/receive constructive feedback.
• Ability to influence others even where there is not a direct line of authority.
• Enjoys managing and developing others and can foster positive relationships both with, and between team members.
• Comfortable being a public figure in the local community and speaking in front of groups.
• Must be able to quickly traverse site.

The company provides an outstanding benefits package, including a highly competitive salary with performance bonuses, a 401(k) retirement plan, generous PTO, relocation assistance, and so much more to support your success and well-being!