Executive Summary

Our client is a small (under $100 MM) multi-national manufacturer of specialty metal products.  This is a confidential search, so we’ll just call them widgets for now  –  unique, individually-precision-manufactured (formed, shaped, coated, assembled…)  to custom order  –  widgets.  Our new hands-on Vice President will run all company operations which bring these widgets to life.

Because of continually increasing customer demand, and the complex nature of these widgets, our new VP will need to optimally integrate ERP/MRP with Lean so as to most effectively drive the actual daily production schedule, using the ERP system.  And so our key qualifying requirement for this new VP is simple: you must explicitly demonstrate that you have done this at least once before. Under similar conditions, in a similar environment.  Experience under scenarios where long lead times, building to forecast, or visual pull systems are the norm will not be relevant or transferrable.

For the ideal candidate we offer:  a highly visible, key impact role with a profitable, growing business, and outstanding compensation package which includes equity participation in the company’s success. Please read on for additional detail.

Position Overview

Based in the Western United States, the company  designs and builds unique, custom solutions which are specifically engineered to individual customer order (high-mix, low-volume) and sold through multiple channels in the defense/military, aerospace, and industrial markets.  Primary operations are located in a major Mountain State metro area and the company also serves some of its international customers from a secondary European plant. Our client is owned by a U.S.-based private equity firm and is very well-positioned for substantial growth over the coming years.

The company’s seasoned management team believes strongly in Lean manufacturing which is at the core of the company’s operating philosophy. During the past three years our client has implemented continuous improvement principles and practices with strong support from all levels of the organization. Substantial progress has been made. However, in order to support the opportunity for market growth, the company still needs to address persistent service level issues in its manufacturing operations, and must also improve throughput capacity to meet rising demand volumes.

Reporting directly to the company’s President, the VP Operations will serve as strategic and tactical business partner and change agent on the company’s top leadership team. The VP Operations will participate in establishing (and delivering on) the organization’s strategic plans and critical success factors.

Why You Want this Position

  • Create an immediate, significant and highly-visible impact on the operations of a dynamic and rapidly evolving private industrial manufacturing company.
  • Imprint your creativity and passion on an already-world-class business by taking hands-on leadership role to improve strategy and tactical execution to support business requirements and results.
  • Drive the organization’s LEAN cultural transformation across all areas of operations based on your well-developed Toyota Production System (or derivative business system) experience.
  • Enjoy personal recognition for your achievements, and excellent financial rewards including equity participation in the company’s success.  

Key Responsibilities 

The VP Operations is responsible for all day-to-day operating functions including production control (scheduling and material), manufacturing engineering, production, quality, tool shop, maintenance and procurement. The VP  will lead these activities through department managers via effective planning, staffing, training, budgeting and prioritizing throughout the organization. Key peers include vice presidents of sales, engineering and finance, who form the core of the executive leadership team.

Factors which will be critical to the success of the person in this position :

  • Demonstrated track record in sustaining high service (on time delivery) and quality levels in a job shop mixed-mode manufacturing environment.
  • Direct experience in the successful execution of the production control function including deployment and utilization of advanced ERP and scheduling.
  • Previous sustained success in driving continuous improvement in a high variety / low volume manufacturing environment.
  • Expertise in improving product engineering/planning,  and process definition handoff to manufacturing. 

What You Bring to the Table 

Strategic thinking and execution, with the experience and judgment to plan and accomplish operating objectives, within a job shop mixed-mode manufacturing environment, supported by…

  • Minimum of 10 years progressive, successful operations leadership, including direct management of both manufacturing and materials functions.
  • Extensive LEAN and/or Toyota Production System implementation experience.
  • Direct experience implementing advanced scheduling ERP in a job shop environment.
  • Excellent organizational, multi-tasking time management, problem-solving, communications and analytical skills.
  • Strong interpersonal and people management skills; strong team orientation; unrelenting work ethic; passion for leadership required to influence, drive and sustain culture change.
  • BS/BA degree in manufacturing or industrial engineering.

More  

Competitive executive compensation package includes base salary, incentive performance bonus, relocation assistance, and participation in executive equity pool distribution.