Ready to lead a high-volume manufacturing operation while also driving commercial growth? Our confidential client, a well-established manufacturer of perishable food items, is seeking a Head of Operations to oversee a production facility in the Orlando area. This is a high-impact role with full P&L ownership, responsible for operational excellence, customer satisfaction, and top-line growth. The leader will direct a diverse, cross-functional team spanning production, supply chain, sales, and customer engagement.

In this role, you will:

• Lead all aspects of facility operations, ensuring on-time delivery and consistently high-quality products
• Own the P&L, balancing cost management with sales growth initiatives and customer profitability
• Partner with commercial and sales teams to strengthen customer relationships, support key account initiatives, and deliver on service-level commitments
• Serve as a customer-facing leader in joint business planning, quarterly reviews, and plant tours, representing the facility and brand with strategic customers
• Drive profitable growth by aligning manufacturing capabilities with customer demand, new product launches, and category expansion opportunities
• Oversee production, procurement, warehouse, and sales functions to ensure cross-functional alignment and efficiency
• Champion a culture of customer-first execution, ensuring responsiveness to evolving retailer and foodservice partner needs
• Develop and mentor a cross-functional leadership team, fostering collaboration and accountability
• Implement continuous improvement initiatives, leveraging ERP systems and operational metrics to optimize output and customer service
• Champion employee engagement, retention, and a strong safety and quality culture

Requirements:

• 7+ years in a senior operations or plant leadership role within food manufacturing (fresh produce or perishable goods strongly preferred)
• Proven success managing both operations and commercial accountabilities, including direct customer interaction and sales support
• Demonstrated P&L responsibility with a record of driving both cost efficiencies and revenue growth
• Strong customer-facing experience, ideally with national retail or foodservice accounts, including joint planning and innovation alignment
• Expertise leading in high-SKU, short shelf-life environments with both automated and manual production
• Track record of success in turnaround, growth, or expansion environments
• Hands-on, floor-engaged leadership style with strong people management skills

This is a highly visible role for a results-oriented leader who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced manufacturing environments and is passionate about building high-performing teams.

If you or someone you know would be interested in discussing this opportunity, please contact MacKenzie McVay at mackenzie@curtisfood.com.