Head of Operations

Head of Operations

Location: Andover, MA (Relocation Available)

Overview

An innovative, venture-backed advanced manufacturing company is seeking a Head of Operations to join its executive leadership team and lead the scale-up of manufacturing operations from a prototype facility to a multi-site production network.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this leader will own factory operations, operational excellence, supply chain, quality, and continuous improvement while helping build the systems, leadership team, and processes needed to support rapid growth.

This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys building organizations—not simply managing mature operations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transition from an existing pilot facility into a new 100,000 sq. ft. production facility.
• Own factory performance, including P&L, throughput, labor efficiency, quality, safety, and cost reduction.
• Develop the operational playbook, SOPs, and management systems to support future multi-site expansion.
• Build and lead plant leadership teams through significant workforce growth.
• Establish Lean operating rhythms including S&OP, KPI dashboards, visual management, and continuous improvement programs.
• Implement scalable quality systems, CAPA processes, and world-class safety programs.
• Oversee supply chain, procurement, inventory, logistics, and vendor performance.
• Partner closely with engineering and software teams to optimize manufacturing systems, MES, automation, and operational technology.

Qualifications

• 10 years of operations leadership in advanced manufacturing or industrial environments.
• Experience launching or scaling large manufacturing facilities.
• Proven success building operations teams during rapid growth.
• Strong background in Lean manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Experience managing plant leadership and large hourly workforces.
• Strong financial acumen with ownership of operational metrics and factory performance.
• Comfortable working in highly automated, technology-enabled manufacturing environments.
• Executive-level communication and leadership skills.

Preferred Background

Experience in one or more of the following:

• Advanced manufacturing
• Automotive
• Aerospace
• Industrial automation
• High-volume production
• Fulfillment or logistics
• Modular or off-site construction

Lean, Six Sigma, or TWI experience is highly desirable.

Current compensation range: $200,000 - $285,000

This role is best suited for an operational leader who has successfully built and scaled manufacturing organizations, enjoys solving complex operational challenges, and thrives in fast-paced, high-growth environments where systems, teams, and processes are still being developed.