Vice President of Manufacturing

Reports to: CEO                                                       

Department: Manufacturing  

FLSA Classification: Exempt

Travel: Up to 25%  

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Vice President of Manufacturing provides strategic and operational leadership across all Vibrant Works manufacturing sites. This role drives production excellence, quality, safety, cost performance, and scalable growth while advancing Vibrant Works’ mission as an AbilityOne-participating organization. The VP ensures disciplined production planning, strong internal controls, and continuous improvement across all facilities, while fostering an inclusive workforce that supports employment and advancement opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired. The position maintains full accountability for manufacturing performance, operational efficiency, and alignment of output with organizational goals, financial targets, and mission impact. 

JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Strategic & Operational Leadership 

• Develop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with Vibrant Works’ mission, growth plans, and operational imperatives 

• Translate organizational strategy into actionable production goals, operational plans, and performance targets 

• Lead multi-site manufacturing operations with a focus on scalability, capacity planning, and continuous improvement 

• Evaluate opportunities for automation, modernization, and capability expansion 

• Support new product introduction, operational readiness, and cross-functional planning with Supply Chain, Procurement, and Finance 

• Champion Vibrant Works’ values and foster an inclusive, mission-driven culture 

Manufacturing Operations & Process Optimization 

• Oversee daily production operations to ensure efficiency, quality, safety, and on-time delivery 

• Establish and enforce standardized operating procedures, production workflows, and equipment maintenance programs 

•  Optimize staffing models, labor utilization, scheduling, and throughput to maximize productivity 

• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices to reduce waste, rework, and variability 

• Monitor KPIs, conduct root cause analyses, and drive corrective action plans 

• Ensure facilities meet ISO, Aerospace, and regulatory standards across all locations 

Financial Management & Performance Optimization 

• Own manufacturing P&L performance, cost structure, and operational budgets 

• Forecast production needs, cost targets, labor requirements, and resource planning 

• Drive cost-reduction strategies without compromising quality or mission commitments 

• Monitor capacity utilization, cost per unit, margin drivers, and productivity metrics 

• Oversee capital investment planning, ROI evaluation, and financial justification for operational initiatives 

• Partner with Finance to ensure accurate cost accounting, inventory valuation, and margin reporting 

Quality, Safety, Compliance & Risk Management 

• Ensure a safe, compliant, and audit-ready manufacturing environment across all locations 

• Oversee quality systems, inspections, certifications, and corrective action processes 

• Maintain compliance with federal contracting and AbilityOne Program requirements, including labor-hour ratios and documentation 

• Lead risk mitigation strategies, operational controls, and internal audit remediation 

• Partner with HR and Compliance to ensure adherence to accessibility, labor, and safety standards 

People Leadership, Workforce Development & Mission Impact 

• Lead, coach, and develop plant managers, supervisors, and production teams 

• Build leadership succession plans and high-performance teams across manufacturing operations 

• Promote inclusive workforce practices and ensure accommodations for employees who are visually impaired 

• Collaborate with Mission Services and HR to build training programs, advancement pathways, and developmental opportunities 

• Drive employee engagement, retention, and accountability 

• Ensure balanced alignment between operational output and Vibrant Works’ mission to create meaningful employment opportunities 

• Demonstrate and embodies our values: Be Limitless, Be Resilient, Be People Centered, Be a Team, and Be Trustworthy  

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred 

• 10–15 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or operations 

• Proven success managing multi-site manufacturing operations 

• Experience with federal contracting and/or AbilityOne Program preferred 

• Demonstrated success leading inclusive workforces, including individuals with disabilities 

SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

• Strong operational and manufacturing leadership expertise 

• Financial acumen with cost control and P&L ownership 

• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement expertise 

• Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and mission-driven employment 

• Knowledge of AbilityOne Program requirements and compliance standards 

• Data-driven decision-making 

• Strong leadership, communication, and change management skills 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: 

• Ability to work in a production and manufacturing environment as needed 

• Ability to stand, walk, or move through facilities for extended periods 

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs occasionally 

• Ability to use standard office and manufacturing equipment 

This job description does not imply these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operations of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor. 

Please note: Under the AbilityOne Program, Vibrant Works gives hiring preference to individuals who are legally blind. Any decision to disclose a disability by an applicant related to the hiring preference is completely voluntary. Requesting such information is also a part of our affirmative action efforts. Information that is disclosed will remain confidential. Also, your decision not to disclose disability status will not have a negative impact in the hiring process. 

Vibrant Works is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.