Vice President Of Operations
Us
Branded, private label snack food manufacturer founded in 1884, with manufacturing plants in Reading, PA/Ephrata, PA. Managed supply chain with $30M operating budget, 150 employees and 8 direct reports overseeing manufacturing, customer service, purchasing, logistics, engineering, maintenance. Responsible for 20M pounds of baked/fried snack food production (pretzels, cheese curls, tortilla chips, corn chips, popcorn). Member of executive team; advisor to Board of Directors.VP, OPERATIONS (2004–2007)VP, MARKETING (2002–2004)DIRECTOR OF MARKETING (2001–2002)MARKET DEVELOPMENT MANAGER (1999–2000)OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE INITIATIVES• Improved labor efficiencies (4%) and basic yields (2%) through enhanced production scheduling, reduced downtime, staffing optimization, preventive maintenance, and startup changes. • Attained American Institute of Baking (AIB) “superior” ratings in both production facilities; passed numerous 3rd party plant audits.• Transformed labor relations in unionized baking plant resulting in 75% reduction in grievances and ratification of 5-year collective bargaining agreements.• Managed Bachman’s 5M pound, 47 sku potato chip outsourced contract manufacturing relationship. BRAND MANAGEMENT INITIATIVES• Managed all aspects of 200+ sku, branded product line with regionally strong market shares in New York, Boston and Philadelphia. Held Bachman and Jax brand market share with $6.5M marketing budget and independent distribution system in the face of formidable rivals Frito-Lay, Snyder’s of Hanover, Utz and Herr’s.• Developed/executed marketing strategy with volume, share/profit plans for Grocery, Club, C Store outlets. Managed new product development process, launched new grocery and club store items.• Led consumer, retailer, distributor marketing initiatives.• Managed private label initiatives for clients (Wegmans, Giant, Aldi, Market Basket).• Contracted with other manufacturers to produce products under our brand for distribution.