Job Description

Job Opening: Director of Operations

Type: Full Time, Exempt, Salaried

Location: Ferrisburgh, Vermont

About Vermont Livestock Slaughter & Processing

Vermont Livestock Slaughter & Processing (VLSP) is an 8000-square-foot slaughter and meat processing business whose mission is to provide high-quality processing services to the regional livestock industry. As a USDA-inspected facility, VLSP is equipped to slaughter and process beef, lamb, and pork for clients in Vermont and out-of-state. VLSP caters to a wide range of clients from private individuals with a few head each year or commercial producers harvesting multiple animals regularly. VLSP believes independent, small, local meat processing facilities are critical to making regional food systems function and as such, is proud of its role in the farming and food community of northern New England, supporting regional farmers who raise livestock with humane practices and pasture-based systems.

About Our Facility

VLSP recently completed a $10M renovation and modernization process. The facility was completely rebuilt and upgraded with state-of-the-art equipment, additional cold-storage and cutting floor area, and property-wide investments such as solar array and improved livestock holding areas. The renovation has tripled VLSP’s weekly throughput capacity and greatly increased processing services and capabilities. These upgrades reflect the ownership team’s commitment to positioning VLSP for long-term, sustainable, generational success and role in New England’s meat processing ecosystem.

Who We’re Looking For

VLSP is looking for an experienced Director of Operations who can lead business operations in this new era for the facility. We seek a leader who has strong capabilities for leading a small production business, improving services and products, mentoring and developing the team, modernizing the sales and marketing strategy, leading relationship development and community engagement in the region, overseeing slaughter and processing operations, and managing regulatory matters. Experienced leadership with an entrepreneurial disposition is critical to helping the business achieve its current objectives and future growth goals. This position will report directly to the Business Ownership Team and work closely with them to lead overall business planning, annual budgeting, and strategic direction setting for VLSP.

Responsibilities

Strategy:

• Work alongside the Business Ownership Team to lead strategic thinking and business planning processes, including annual planning and budget building, long-range business strategy, and periodic reviews of VLSP’s mission, vision, and core values.
• Develop and manage the business’s marketing and communications program, including community and stakeholder engagements and representing VLSP as the public face of the business.
• Lead business development efforts for VLSP with the goal of increasing the customer base, increasing plant throughput, and increasing the customer spend on high-value processing services.

Team Development:

• Lead the staff development and team building processes, including recruiting, hiring, training, disciplinary processes, and termination.
• Work alongside staff as needed to observe and improve operational systems.
• Ensure that all employees are included in a consistently administered program of professional development and performance evaluation.

Administration:

• Oversee administrative team to ensure all accounting and bookkeeping processes, timekeeping and payroll processing, vendor account maintenance, are completed accurately and on time.
• Work with the financial support to ensure that all financial planning, ownership reporting, and KPI dashboard expectations are completed accurately and on time.
• Oversight of all regulatory compliance processes are in place and proactively managed, including all permits and licenses, and state and federal certifications and inspections.
• Oversight of all risk management requirements, including annual renewal of insurance policies and annual benefits enrollment processes.
• Ensure that all human resource administrative processes are completed in a timely manner, including benefits administration, paid time off record keeping, and accident and injury reporting.

Operations:

• Oversee day-to-day operations of receiving, slaughter, processing, logistics and customer coordination.
• Set and maintain operating standards across receiving, slaughter, processing, storage, and fulfillment.
• Ensure full compliance with USDA inspections, HACCP management, GMP adherence, and general food safety and product traceability standards.
• Oversee QA/QC programs, audits, and continuous improvement efforts via documented SOPs and quantitative measurement.
• Uphold a safe, high-performance, and accountable company culture aligned with core company principles and values.
• Lead oversight of all facilities, service areas, and equipment, including rigorous day-to-day organization and cleaning of all operational areas, machinery, tools, and equipment.
• Oversee the administration of the regular preventative maintenance and of all facilities and equipment, and the timely repair and replacement of facilities and equipment when needed.

Qualifications

• 7–10+ years of leadership in meat processing, food manufacturing, or a similar high-compliance environment.
• Strong knowledge of meat supply chains, production, butchery, and logistics.
• Proven experience managing budgets, cost control, and P&L-related decisions.
• Deep familiarity with and/or certification in USDA regulations, HACCP systems and management, GMPs, and food safety protocols.
• Demonstrated success in building and leading high-performing teams in a manufacturing environment.
• Bachelor’s degree in Food/Meat Science, Animal Science, Engineering, Business, or equivalent work experience.
• Comfortable with ERP/manufacturing systems, data analytics, and KPI-driven operational management.
• Excellent communication, decision-making, and organizational leadership skills.

Compensation & Benefits

This position is expected to offer an annual salary of $120,000 - $140,000.In addition, VLSP offers health insurance benefits and flexible paid time off.

Application Process

Candidates should send an email with “Director of Operations” in the subject line to recruiting@kkandp.com. Please include a cover letter and current resume in your submission. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs