Director of Operations Job at Nexus Search, Chicago, IL

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  • Nexus Search
  • Chicago, IL

Job Description

Job Description

We are partnered with a a dynamic, private equity-backed ingredients, flavors, and sauces company with ambitious growth plans to triple in size over the next few years . With a strong product portfolio and a growing customer base, we are seeking a seasoned operations leader to help scale the business while driving operational excellence, efficiency, and profitability.

Role Overview

This is a unique, hands-on executive role combining VP of Operations and General Manager responsibilities . The ideal candidate will have a strong operational background in the ingredients, flavors, or food production space and a proven track record of turnarounds and scaling businesses . You will be responsible for overseeing the full spectrum of operations — manufacturing, supply chain, quality, logistics, and continuous improvement — while partnering closely with the CEO and private equity investors to execute aggressive growth plans.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead all day-to-day operations across manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, quality, and logistics.
  • Develop and execute strategies to scale the business to $100M+ , ensuring operational processes and infrastructure keep pace with growth.
  • Identify and implement operational improvements, including cost optimization, workflow automation, and process standardization.
  • Drive turnaround initiatives for underperforming areas, ensuring sustainable improvements in efficiency, throughput, and profitability.
  • Partner with private equity stakeholders on strategic initiatives, including M&A, capital projects, and operational performance metrics.
  • Build, mentor, and lead high-performing teams, instilling a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and operational excellence.
  • Oversee regulatory compliance, food safety standards, and quality assurance programs across all manufacturing and supply chain operations.
  • Collaborate with sales, marketing, and R&D teams to ensure operational alignment with business growth objectives.

Qualifications & Experience

  • Proven operational leadership in the ingredients, flavors, or food production industries.
  • Hands-on experience in high-growth and/or turnaround environments , preferably in a private equity-backed business.
  • Strong financial acumen , with experience managing budgets, P&L, and operational KPIs.
  • Experience leading multi-site manufacturing or co-manufacturing networks a plus.
  • Exceptional problem-solving, project management, and people leadership skills .
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment with multiple competing priorities.
  • Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or advanced business degree preferred.

Why Join

  • Opportunity to shape the operations of a high-growth, PE-backed company with ambitious expansion plans.
  • Work closely with seasoned leadership and investors to execute strategic initiatives and make a tangible impact.
  • Lead a passionate, high-performing team dedicated to excellence and innovation in the ingredients and flavors industry.

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