I guided all aspects of operations for the manufacturing business in three plants with oversight for all 600 employees. I held full P&L responsibility for the entire company. I hired and led a new leadership team comprised of a CFO, COO, two plant managers, and six directors and managed our enterprise-wide strategic sales initiatives, including the expansion of private label, branded and contract manufacturing with major Fortune 500 companies. I also implemented capital projects with the executive and engineering teams. During my tenure, I significantly improved EBITDA and achieved cost reductions for procurement and operations.

I led the 12-member sales team while maintaining full P&L responsibility across multiple divisions and product lines. I managed SGA budgets and sales in the hundreds of millions. I negotiated contract-manufacturing agreements and popcorn supply agreements to increase revenue. We successfully increased sales volume in a declining market by launching new product introductions, winning market share gains and deploying targeted trade spend programs.

As part of our operations expansion, I led the formation of a new entity under the Weaver corporate umbrella. I was tasked with the design, construction and commissioning of our new ready-to-eat popcorn plant. I led all aspects of commissioning, operating and filling capacity of the new manufacturing facility. I hired and trained a Vice President of Operations, Plant Manager, Directors, and Operations staff for the new facility. I also negotiated equipment purchases, building leases, local and state economic incentives, and the construction contract for the new plant.

I oversaw international sales and operations via a team of six sales managers. I orchestrated 60+ million pounds of popcorn imports after the 2012 drought devastated the U.S. popcorn crop by sourcing popcorn directly from Argentinian farmers and grain processors. We successfully increased revenue and total units exported for the international division. I reduced costs by sourcing raw materials internationally, improved service and overcame trade barriers by negotiating and managing the installation of four automated microwave popcorn manufacturing lines in Bulgaria, China, Italy, and Russia to establish a worldwide manufacturing footprint.

I managed sales across the Middle East and Asia through a team of four while developing import and distribution networks in China, Jordan, Singapore, Syria, Thailand, and UAE. We successfully grew market share in Japan and South Korea and increased territory volume and revenue overall.

My focus was sales through the dollar, drug, and grocery channels for branded and private label microwave popcorn. I drove revenue by landing new business with key channel partners and targeted trade spend increases with current customers.

I led the team responsible for accounts receivable collections, customer service, logistics, and sales team support. I coordinated logistical functions, negotiated warehousing and freight agreements. I also trained a third-party warehouse network on the distribution program for seasonal sales and distribution.