Vice President of Manufacturing

Vice President of Manufacturing (Confidential Search)

Position Summary

A privately held, global manufacturing organization is seeking a highly experienced Vice President of Manufacturing to join its Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this leader will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across all manufacturing functions, driving world-class performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and customer satisfaction.

This is a high-impact executive role in an entrepreneurial and performance-driven environment, where the VP of Manufacturing will directly influence operational excellence, cultural transformation, and long-term business success.

The ideal candidate is a hands-on, transformational manufacturing leader with a proven track record of leading complex operations, building high-performing teams, and driving continuous improvement in fast-paced industrial environments.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing & Operational Leadership

• Lead all plant manufacturing operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production execution
• Develop and execute short- and long-term manufacturing strategies aligned with enterprise growth objectives
• Drive performance across key KPIs including OEE, productivity, scrap reduction, on-time delivery, and cost optimization
• Establish a culture of accountability, urgency, execution, and operational excellence
• Ensure alignment of manufacturing capabilities with customer and business requirements

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Champion a proactive, world-class safety culture focused on prevention, accountability, and engagement
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, regulatory, and internal standards
• Partner with Quality leadership to strengthen root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive systems
• Drive continuous improvement in product quality and customer satisfaction

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and TPM initiatives across operations
• Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and waste reduction strategies
• Deploy disciplined daily management systems and performance reviews
• Support capital planning and manufacturing investment strategies

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, coach, and develop a high-performing manufacturing leadership team
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and professional development
• Partner with HR on workforce planning, succession planning, and employee relations
• Lead labor relations strategies in partnership with HR to maintain a productive workforce

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Product Development, Sales, Finance, and Quality
• Support new product introductions and manufacturing readiness activities
• Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization initiatives
• Ensure manufacturing execution supports demand planning and customer commitments

Executive Leadership

• Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team and contribute to enterprise strategy
• Lead special projects and transformation initiatives as required
• Drive enterprise-wide operational improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or related field (required); advanced degree preferred
• 12 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including senior plant leadership roles
• Strong background in industrial, tools, consumer products, automotive, or related manufacturing environments preferred
• Proven success improving safety, quality, productivity, cost, and operational performance
• Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement systems
• Experience leading large, complex, hourly workforce environments
• Strong financial acumen including budgeting, labor efficiency, and cost management
• Demonstrated experience leading operational transformation or turnaround initiatives preferred
• Strong ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing analytics proficiency
• Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills
• Ability to operate both strategically and in a hands-on execution-focused capacity
• Willingness to travel as required

Compensation & Benefits

• Base Salary: $225,000 (commensurate with experience; top end reserved for exceptional candidates)
• Annual Incentive Bonus: 30% target based on company and individual performance
• Relocation Assistance
• Temporary Housing Support

Equal Employment Opportunity

The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, without regard to protected characteristics under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request.