What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Operations position at Element?
Vice President of Operations
Element | Fairview, Oregon
Element is a fast-growing office furniture company focused on thoughtful design, ergonomic innovation, and an exceptional customer experience. Our products support some of today’s most recognizable brands, including TikTok, Tesla, Roblox, Netflix, and Alaska Airlines. We’re professional, collaborative, supportive - and we like to have fun.
We’re looking for an experienced Vice President of Operations to lead our operations and strengthen the systems, processes, and accountability needed to support continued growth. Working closely with the owner and leadership team, this leader will drive operational performance, profitability, and scalable growth.
Element wants to be a reliable partner that our customers can count on for manufacturing quality office furniture and delivering it on time and damage-free.
The Role
The VP of Operations will oversee the people, processes, systems, and external partners responsible for moving products from order through production and final delivery, with a focus on on-time delivery, operational efficiency, quality, cost management, and accountability.
Key Responsibilities
Quality & Continuous Improvement: Establish processes to identify quality issues early, conduct root-cause analysis and corrective action, resolve recurring problems, and continuously improve operational standards and procedures.
Delivery & Performance: Oversee production and delivery schedules, monitor order status and lead times, proactively address risks, establish meaningful KPIs, and provide leadership with clear visibility into operational performance.
Profitability & Cost Management: Manage operations with a strong understanding of costs and margins; reduce waste, rework, freight and inventory expense; and partner with leadership on sourcing, product costs, inventory levels, and operational investments.
Manufacturing & Supply Chain: Manage domestic and international manufacturing and supplier relationships, including capacity, quality, lead times, purchasing, forecasting, inventory, logistics, freight, and adherence to specifications.
Leadership & Accountability: Lead and develop operational teams, establish clear ownership and performance expectations, drive issues through resolution, and work cross-functionally with Sales, Design, Customer Service, Finance, and Executive Leadership.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an experienced operations leader with a strong background in manufacturing, supply chain, and process development.
10 years of progressive operations, manufacturing, supply chain, or related experience.
Leadership experience in a manufacturing or product-based company.
Strong knowledge of manufacturing, supply chain, purchasing, inventory, logistics, and quality management.
Experience managing domestic and/or international suppliers.
A track record of improving delivery, efficiency, quality, and/or profitability.
Strong financial, analytical, problem-solving, project management, and decision-making skills.
The ability to establish priorities, drive execution, communicate effectively, and collaborate across departments and with external partners.
Experience in office furniture, contract furniture, or commercial interiors is a significant advantage.
The Person We’re Looking For
You’re a hands-on, strategic, results-oriented leader who takes ownership, follows through, brings structure to complex challenges, and is comfortable working with both people and data. You communicate clearly, make informed decisions, address performance issues when necessary, and understand the connection between customer service, quality, delivery, and profitability. You thrive in a growing, entrepreneurial environment where you can make a meaningful impact.
What Success Looks Like
High-quality operational performance is measured in repeat business, customer loyalty, and sales growth. Success means orders are delivered on time and to customer expectations; delivery and quality issues are identified and addressed proactively; manufacturing and supplier partners consistently meet expectations; inventory, freight, and operating costs are effectively managed; teams have clear accountability; performance is measured through meaningful KPIs; and processes continue to improve as Element grows.
Why Element?
This is an opportunity to have a direct impact on the development of our operations and the future growth of the business. You’ll work closely with the owner and leadership team to build and improve the systems, processes, teams, and partnerships that support Element’s continued success.