What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vice President of Manufacturing position at Relate Search?
What You’ll Do:
Relate Search has partnered with a respected U.S.-based manufacturer with a long-standing reputation for engineering excellence to identify a Vice President of Manufacturing to lead operations across two critical sites. This executive leader will drive strategic scaling and operational transformation, lead process modernization, and foster safety and engagement in a heavy industrial environment. As a key member of the senior leadership team, this role will help shape the future of manufacturing while ensuring strong execution today.
Responsibilities:
- Lead and stabilize multi-site operations with a focus on optimizing the underperforming Boston facility through hands-on assessment, leadership development, and process improvements.
- Champion a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous improvement across heavy industrial environments, ensuring rigorous compliance with environmental and safety standards.
- Drive operational excellence by implementing lean manufacturing practices and introducing relevant KPIs to increase throughput and efficiency.
- Foster cross-functional collaboration between manufacturing, engineering, and project teams to ensure alignment across S&OP and execution priorities.
- Attract, develop, and lead a high-performing operations team while building trust with long-tenured employees and C-suite leadership.
Qualifications:
- 15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership, including experience in heavy industrial or metals-based environments (e.g., lead, steel, or construction materials).
- Proven success managing multi-site operations and unionized labor environments.
- Track record of leading process improvements and performance stabilization across complex production environments.
- Advanced degree (MBA preferred) and corporate-grade experience combined with a hands-on leadership style.
- Strong emotional intelligence, humility, and ability to build trust with long-tenured employees and executive peers.
Perks & Benefits:
- Established industry reputation with over 90 years of excellence.
- Opportunity to drive transformation at a growing manufacturer with high executive visibility.
- Collaborative, experienced leadership team with deep industry expertise.
- Comprehensive health and retirement benefits, generous PTO.
- Travel between Houston and Boston as needed to support cross-site operations.
About Relate Search
Relate Search is a Woman, Minority, and LGBTQIA owned executive and professional search firm dedicated to connecting top talent with meaningful opportunity. With deep expertise across Supply Chain & Operations, Technology, Sales & Marketing, Human Resources, and Accounting & Finance we deliver customized, people-first recruiting solutions that drive lasting impact.
Equal Opportunity & Diversity Statement
Relate Search is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and are committed to building inclusive teams where everyone belongs. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.