Sr VP Of Operations

Position Overview:

The Senior Vice President (SVP) of Operations will oversee and manage all operational functions, including but not limited to operational excellence, logistics, and transportation management. This executive role will drive the company’s operational strategy, ensuring the seamless execution of business processes that maximize efficiency, productivity, and cost-effectiveness across all areas of operations. The SVP of Operations will be responsible for developing and executing a comprehensive operations strategy that aligns with the organization’s growth objectives, with a focus on transportation and supply chain optimization, process improvement, and operational scalability. The role will report directly to the CEO and work closely with the private equity investors, leadership team, and other stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

1.  Operational Strategy and Leadership
   • Develop and implement operational strategies that support the company’s growth objectives and profitability, with a specific focus on operational excellence, transportation management, and supply chain optimization.
   • Oversee day-to-day operations across multiple business units, ensuring the highest standards of performance, cost control, and customer satisfaction.
   • Lead the design and execution of business processes and strategies that drive efficiency, reduce costs, and improve scalability.
   • Ensure that operational performance metrics are established, tracked, and continuously improved, focusing on KPIs such as on-time delivery, transportation costs, order accuracy, and inventory turnover.
   • Develop and manage the operations budget, ensuring operational expenditures are controlled and aligned with financial goals.
2. Transportation and Logistics Optimization
   • Oversee all aspects of the transportation management function, ensuring cost-effective and timely delivery of products across the supply chain.
   • Optimize transportation routes, modes, and carriers to minimize transportation costs while ensuring high service levels.
   • Develop and maintain relationships with key transportation and logistics providers, negotiating contracts and ensuring compliance with service agreements.
   • Implement best practices and technologies in fleet management, logistics tracking, and route optimization to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs.
   • Ensure that transportation operations comply with all relevant regulations (e.g., safety, environmental) and industry standards.
3. Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
   • Champion a culture of operational excellence, focusing on the continuous improvement of processes, quality control, and performance metrics across all operational functions.
   • Lead the implementation of lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other process improvement tools to optimize workflows, reduce waste, and enhance product quality.
   • Establish a comprehensive performance management system that includes regular assessments, KPIs, and continuous feedback loops to drive high performance across all teams.
   • Identify areas for operational improvement and develop strategic plans to enhance productivity, reduce costs, and improve customer satisfaction.
4. Cross-Functional Collaboration
   • Collaborate closely with the executive leadership team, including the CEO, CFO, and other department heads, to align operational strategies with overall company goals.
   • Work closely with the sales and customer service teams to ensure operational processes align with customer expectations and service level agreements.
   • Develop effective communication channels between departments (e.g., finance, sales, marketing, and operations) to ensure seamless cross-functional collaboration.
5. Data-Driven Decision Making and Technology Implementation
   • Leverage data analytics to drive decision-making, track operational performance, and identify opportunities for improvement.
   • Champion the adoption of new technologies and tools (e.g., ERP systems, transportation management software, warehouse management systems) to streamline operations and improve data visibility.
   • Ensure that operational teams use data to optimize logistics, warehouse management, and transportation operations for maximum cost-effectiveness.
6. Leadership and People Management
   • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team across all operational functions, ensuring alignment with company objectives and providing career growth opportunities.
   • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and high performance through regular feedback, coaching, and recognition.
   • Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including private equity investors, to align operational strategies with business goals and performance expectations.
   • Ensure succession planning and leadership development within operations, identifying top talent for growth and promotion within the company.
7. Private Equity Partnership and Reporting
   • Collaborate closely with private equity stakeholders and the CEO to set clear operational goals and ensure alignment with overall company objectives and growth targets.
   • Provide regular operational updates to private equity investors, including performance against KPIs, cost savings, operational improvements, and growth initiatives.
   • Lead the operational due diligence process for potential acquisitions or other strategic growth opportunities, identifying operational synergies and risks.

Key Qualifications:

Experience:

• At least 10 years of leadership experience in operations management, with a proven track record of success in transportation management, logistics, and operational excellence.
• Experience in a private equity-backed company or high-growth organization, with a demonstrated ability to scale operations and manage change.
• Strong background in supply chain management, logistics, and transportation across multiple functions (e.g., warehousing, inventory, delivery, fleet management).
• Deep knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other operational efficiency methodologies and best practices.
• Proven experience in managing and developing large teams, fostering a high-performance culture, and driving results.
• A strong financial acumen, with the ability to manage large operational budgets and understand P&L statements.

Skills & Competencies:

• Leadership and Team Development: Ability to lead cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and develop talent within the organization.
• Operational Excellence: Expertise in driving continuous improvement initiatives and optimizing business processes for efficiency and scalability.
• Transportation and Logistics Management: In-depth knowledge of transportation management systems (TMS), supply chain logistics, and fleet operations.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Strong ability to leverage data analytics, KPIs, and performance metrics to inform decisions and improve operational outcomes.
• Problem-Solving and Analytical Skills: Ability to identify problems, analyze root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Private Equity Experience: Familiarity with the dynamics of private equity-backed companies, including managing growth and meeting investor expectations.
• Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, capable of presenting complex operational issues and solutions to executives and investors.

Personal Characteristics:

• Visionary Leadership: Ability to create and implement long-term operational strategies that align with the company’s growth objectives.
• Results-Oriented: Focused on delivering measurable outcomes, driving productivity, and achieving operational goals.
• Resilient: Ability to navigate through change, challenges, and ambiguity in a fast-paced, private equity-backed environment.
• Collaborative: Strong team player who works well with other members of the leadership team and across functional departments.
• Hands-On and Practical: Comfortable with both high-level strategic planning and the day-to-day operational details, able to switch between both as needed.

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Logistics, or a related field is required; or 5+ years of relevant experience in Business Administration & Operations Management.