Job Title: VP Operations
Location: Buffalo, NY
Hire Type: Direct Hire
Pay Range: $125,000 - $200,000
Work Model: Onsite
Recruiter Contact: Samantha Marranca
Nature & Scope:
Positional Overview
This role requires a proven leader to oversee all operational aspects of a legacy manufacturing company specializing in metalworking and custom-engineered systems. The Vice President of Operations will focus on driving productivity, enhancing competitiveness, and shaping a positive, results-oriented organizational culture.
The position is hands-on, requiring a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, with a focus on large capital equipment in a job shop environment.
Reporting to the executive leadership and board of directors, the VP will lead strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and workforce development, including:
- Enhancing manufacturing efficiency in fabrication, machining, and packaging.
- Establishing internal meeting cadences to drive execution and accountability.
- Advising on capital investments and leading quarterly board reviews.
- Mentoring employees and fostering opportunities for growth.
- Potential elevation to VP/GM and ownership opportunities upon review.
Role & Responsibility:
Tasks That Will Lead To Your Success
Operational Leadership:
- Oversee all operational aspects of the business, focusing on contract manufacturing and engineered systems.
- Lead the organization in improving manufacturing competitiveness and productivity in areas such as fabrication, machining, and packaging.
- Strategic Planning and Execution:
- Develop and implement a growth plan for sales, workforce, and operational capabilities.
- Recommend and oversee strategic capital investments to enhance operational efficiency and growth.
- Work closely with executive leadership and the board of directors to summarize results, challenges, and opportunities during quarterly meetings.
Organizational Development:
- Mentor and provide growth opportunities for employees, fostering a results-oriented and positive company culture.
- Evaluate and potentially hire manufacturing supervisors and project managers to meet performance and growth demands.
Cultural Leadership:
- Instill confidence and respect within the workforce by being a hands-on leader who leads by example.
- Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and shared financial success.
Collaboration:
- Partner with the CFO to align on financial, administrative, and quality functions.
- Align with cross-functional teams to ensure operational goals are met effectively.
- Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
- Establish and drive internal meeting cadences to ensure focus on execution and results.
- Monitor and analyze operational performance metrics, taking action to address areas of improvement.
Skills & Experience
Qualifications That Will Help You Thrive
Experience:
- 15+ years in the metalworking industry, with at least 5+ years in a job shop environment.
- Experience as a senior leader or general manager at a metalworking company with annual sales between $10–30MM.
- Proven experience in manufacturing and engineering large capital equipment.
- A strong network of industry contacts, including potential new employees and suppliers.
- Experience working with independent boards and outside equity investors is preferred.
Skills:
- Demonstrated manufacturing and operating expertise, with hands-on problem-solving capabilities.
- Strong understanding of metalworking processes and production flow.
- Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to earn respect from shop labor, peers, and customers.
- Leadership ability to create a positive, results-oriented culture and instill an ownership mentality in employees.
Personal Characteristics:
- High energy, entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves mentality.
- Strong integrity, transparency, and decisiveness in decision-making.
- Adaptability and resilience in handling ambiguity and uncertainty.
- Commitment to continuous improvement and openness to feedback.
Strategic Vision:
- Ability to set clear and challenging goals and align the organization toward improved productivity and financial performance.
- Experience balancing broad organizational changes with achievable and realistic implementation plans.
- Capability to synthesize data and recommend strategic capital investments.
- This role demands a dynamic and visionary leader with a track record of success in driving operational excellence and business growth.