Our firm has been retained to recruit the Vice President of Operations for a $100M private equity-backed manufacturer of metal fabricated products.

Our client enjoys a leading market share in North America, and, backed by two private equity firms, has plans for aggressive growth.  They have three manufacturing facilities in North America and plan to add a fourth.
 
Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will foster a culture of continuous improvement and drive Lean Manufacturing practice across all facilities.  The ideal candidate will have the ambition and ability to be considered for the CEO role in the future.

Key qualifications include:

•   At least 20 years’ professional experience, a significant portion of which will have come from leading operations in a growing, multi-location, manufacturing company; the ideal candidate will have a background in metal fabrication, mass production and component based operations;

•   Strong operational experience and a verifiable track record with a bottom line orientation– will understand how to improve profitability and operations in a multi-location manufacturing business, experience in implementing “Lean Manufacturing” and/or Six Sigma is a must;

•   Tremendous leadership and decision-making ability; the bent for taking responsibility, moving ahead and encouraging others; must have the self-confidence, integrity, intellect, and perseverance that inspire trust and confidence; must possess a strong drive to “win” and take the organization to the next level;

•   Solid people and culture sensitivity skills; the ability to get along with people at all levels (from the manufacturing floor to the Board) of the organization; be able to motivate and rally the troops around a central goal and processes;

•   A general management perspective; will possess an understanding and appreciation for all facets of the business – operations, sales, finance, purchasing; the ability to develop the strategic vision as well as drive the tactical execution;

•   Infectious enthusiasm, self-confidence and high energy level; low need for personal limelight; a good listener with a sense of humor who embraces the company’s core values that emphasize customer first, enjoyment of work and family, employee growth and teamwork; an open door policy; knows that people are the greatest strength; and

•   A degree from an accredited four-year college preferably in engineering; an MBA or Masters Degree would be a plus.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a rapidly growing company.  An attractive compensation package, including base salary and bonus will be tailored to the successful candidate’s requirements.

If you have a personal interest in this position or thoughts of knowledgeable sources or potential candidates, please email  resume2@sockwell.com.  Your suggestions will be held in strictest confidence.

This search was recently completed, and the successful candidate will report shortly.