Who are we?

Established in 2017, trü frü changed the way America snacks forever. trü frü is a Utah-based company that rapidly ascended the “permissible indulgence” space by innovating a “better-for-you” 100% real fruit immersed in premium chocolate indulgence to retail outlets nationwide. Winning consecutive most innovative product awards at Sweets & Snacks in 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 while climbing the snack industry velocity charts at an astounding growth rate, trü frü joined the Mars family of brands in February 2023. We are on an exciting mission to build a fruit forward snacking legacy around an incredible product line with trüly remarkable people to create something special for generations to come!

As the Vice President of Manufacturing Operations and Enterprise Planning at trüfrü, you will report directly to the Chief Operating Officer. You will orchestrate the manufacturing operations and planning teams and programs across the business through a capable and effective S&OP process to deliver the BU operating plan year-on-year, enabled through the co-creation and implementation of our regional supply strategy and extraction of value. This includes but is not limited to, driving operational improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality enhancement, cost efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental management across all manufacturing entities. Additionally, you will oversee end-to-end planning functions, supporting demand, supply, materials, and inventory, and govern the S&OP process for the supply chain. You will also manage the development and execution of capital investments, including manufacturing capacity expansion, to support the growth of the trüfrü brand.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Performance:

Oversee the overall performance of our internal and external manufacturing network from planning through execution, ensuring appropriate emphasis is placed on safety, quality, service and cost.
Manage contractual relationships with co-manufacturers, ensuring that each site has a development plan and site strategy consistent with the objectives of the business.

Strategic Planning

Drive the five-year strategic plan for manufacturing to support sustainable, margin-accretive growth.
Evaluate the existing manufacturing structure and capabilities and develop strategies to meet business needs.
Provide leadership to plants for effective execution of agreed strategies.

Capital Projects

Contribute to developing consolidated business capital spending requirements as part of the Global CAB process.
Responsible for CAB spend management in the region.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Strengthen relationships with Sales, Marketing, Product Development, Production Planning, and our Manufacturing partners.
Oversee the successful manufacturing of new product launches, product changes, and manufacturing systems commissioning.

Performance Management

Deliver or exceed agreed business performance metrics in the areas of cost, food safety, product quality, customer service and inventory management across both internal and external manufacturing.
Drive results in both operational delivery and enterprise transformation, including productivity ideation and execution.

Planning And S&OP

Own the successful development and deployment of our end-to-end supply chain planning system, Blue Yonder.
Lead the S&OP Steps 2 & 3 with the Operations and Planning leadership team for rolling 18-month forecasting and planning.
Report KPIs and escalate decision delivery to Steps 4 & 5.

Experience

Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth organization with a strong sense of urgency.
10-15 years of experience in a manufacturing or operations environment; food and beverage experience is strongly preferred.
5-10 years of directly relevant experience in manufacturing facilities, with roles in plant engineering, plant management, and project management.
Experience with budgetary responsibilities and direct line authority over production operations.
Strong understanding of the S&OP process and experience in leading a supply planning function.
Experience working with third-party contract manufacturers and material vendors.
Demonstrated success in strategy development and execution, particularly in manufacturing.
Strong collaborative working experience of other departments (HR, Finance, Sales, Procurement, R&D, etc.) and their relationship to global/central equivalents.
Proficient in Excel and project management tools.
Lean manufacturing implementation with cost reduction project experience.
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills.
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Business Administration; Master’s degree preferred.
Domestic travel required (up to 50%).

You Are

A player/coach with a roll-up-your-sleeves attitude, thriving in entrepreneurial, high-growth environments.
Can create a winning environment and culture through open communications, visible leadership, and progressive associate development.
Able to think like an owner, making tough, timely decisions and trade-offs.
Decisive and capable of making unpopular decisions and challenging the status quo.
Skilled in building strong business relationships across the organization and with key customers.
Intentional in developing strategic relationships with transformational customers that drive mutually beneficial supply chain efficiencies.
A strategic thinker who can solve complex business problems and navigate ambiguity.
An effective communicator with strong influencing skills.

Pluses

Experience in both large CPG and entrepreneurial businesses.
Experience in new category/start-up environments in growth stages.

Certain states and localities require employers to post a reasonable estimate of salary range. Actual salary will be based on a variety of factors, including location, experience, skill set, performance, licensure and certification, and business needs. The range for this position in other geographic locations may differ.

What Trü Frü Offers

Competitive compensation package
Competitive Paid Time Off
Health, dental & vision insurance, with options to fit you & your family’s needs
Casual office dress code. Feel free to wear your TRÜ FRÜ gear
A dynamic, ambitious, fun and TRÜ FRÜ work environment
The opportunity and responsibility to be TRÜ FRÜ everyday

EEO

At Trü Frü we are committed to an inclusive workplace where diversity in all its forms is championed. TRÜ FRÜ is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and we are an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants with criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you require special accommodation, please let us know.

Trü Frü jobs

Vice President of Operations and Enterprise Planning