LEER - VP, Operations

Overall Responsibilities:

The Senior Vice President of Operations will be responsible for effective leadership of multiple manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Mexico. Areas of focus will be people management, establishing initiatives for improvement in quality, cost, delivery, safety improved productivity, process improvement, and employee relations to support the strategic direction of the company. Additionally, the position requires a strong goal-oriented leader, utilizing participative management programs to achieve sustainable long-term results.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and drive operation standards for cost control, waste reduction, quality, safety, legal stipulations, environmental policies, defect elimination, improved cycle time, recued variation, order-fulfillment, and on-time delivery by directly providing hands on leadership.
• Provides leadership for problem resolution to facilitate faster improvements and improved working relationships within and between each division and other BU units enhancing the spirit of teamwork.
• Spearhead revitalization of failing operations and led turnaround efforts to reverse escalating operating costs, poor service levels, and employee morale.
• Approve and recommend proposals considered feasible to the President for consideration and allocation of funds for capital expenditures for plant and equipment.
• Identify, prioritize, and drive lean initiatives using industry standard “Lean” tools and processes used to drive operational excellence including but not limited to: VSM, kaizen leadership, one piece flow, 5s, etc.
• Provide leadership to effectively manage multiple complex tasks simultaneously and deploy concurrent business transformation projects with a sense of urgency to meet cost and schedule parameters and manage time efficiently.
• Subscribe to the notion of “can’t does not exist” and is always on a continuous improvement journey for ways to improve the overall efficiency of a production operation.
• Manages subordinates and is responsible for their overall direction, coordination, and evaluation.
• Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training team members; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining team members; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Establish a Safety driven, Performance Based business culture to ensure a Safe and Employee friendly work environment resulting in a highly motivated work team.
• Lead and direct Customer Service levels through high performance on-time delivery rates and Internal Customer Service activity.
• Establish Market Leader Product Quality standards on all products manufactured within the facility. World Class Quality.
• Personally drive the Continuous Improvement Culture through implementation of PPS and other Lean techniques.
• Manage strict adherence to spending budgets in all departments and implement corrective action as required to ensure sound spending practices.
• Assist in generating annual business plans with the Chief Financial Officer.
• Responsible to drive and create Revenue Opportunities through Operational means and support the Sales Function appropriately.
• Reviews and approves Production Scheduling to support Customer Demand.
• Direct and controls labor efficiency, material efficiency, transportation, engineering effectiveness, customer service, and order entry efficiency, along with human utilization.
• Reviews performance against operating plans and standards. Provides reports as required and manage required action to ensure sound business practices.
• Presents weekly/monthly reports on performance as requested.
• Defines and recommends objectives in each area of Operations. Develops specific short-term and long-term plans and programs geared toward operational excellence.
• Actively supporting the Company policies, procedures, and workplace rules including environmental, health, and safety objectives. Promote universal and continuous improvement in these areas.
• Deliver profitability objectives through sound resource allocation decision and manage production costs by controlled divisional spending.
• Overseeing hiring, employee relations, and employee development activities, ensuring and effective and productive workforce.
• Maintain operational lines of communication to facilitate efficiency while enhancing the spirit of teamwork throughout the corporation’s different departments and divisions.
• Exhibit exceptional OPEX knowhow and a passion for Lean with a relentless pursuit of Continuous Improvement.
• Conform to all SOX policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned or needed.
  
  
  

Characteristics and skills:

• Boots on the ground type of guy (very hands-on) accustomed to wearing many hats in an entrepreneurial “fast-paced” environment
• A strong operational leader who spends time on the production floor
• Expertise in lean principles and the strategic and tactical application of appropriate tools – demonstrated ability to use and effectively instruct in the proper use of lean principles such as value stream mapping, kaizen, 5S, poka-yoke, heijunka, SMED, etc.
• Dynamic, polished, high energy, focused, and driven. Very sharp, innovative, and accustomed to “figuring it out”
• Ability to motivate teams to produce in tight timeframes while managing several projects simultaneously
• Ability to effectively communicate and facilitate through encouragement, motivation, and inspiration at all levels of the organization
  
  
  

Educational and other requirements:

• B.S., Engineering or Business discipline (MBA preferred).
• Ability to work in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment while balancing competing priorities, complex situations, and tight deadlines.
• Hands-on management experience and a demonstrated ability to lead people and get results through others.
• 10 years related experience in a senior-level manufacturing operations capacity with multiple locations. Progressive experience in project management, quality, and production management. Black Belt certification recommended.
• Experience in fiberglass, automotive, truck, paint, or molding industry is strongly preferred.
• Expertise in ERP systems use
• High level of financial acumen
• Mature judgment / decision making and accustomed to “figuring it out” unaided
• Excellent computer, presentations, administrative, problem solving, and communication skills both verbal and written.
• Automotive aftermarket industry experience a plus
• A true “team-oriented” leader that embraces the idea that he/she is a “go-to” person
• Expertise with ERP systems (JDE is a plus)
• Domestic travel 30% - International 30%