Vice President of Manufacturing (Confidential Search)
Position Summary
A privately held, global manufacturing organization is seeking a highly experienced Vice President of Manufacturing to join its Executive Leadership Team. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, this leader will be responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across all manufacturing functions, driving world-class performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
This is a high-impact executive role in an entrepreneurial and performance-driven environment, where the VP of Manufacturing will directly influence operational excellence, cultural transformation, and long-term business success.
The ideal candidate is a hands-on, transformational manufacturing leader with a proven track record of leading complex operations, building high-performing teams, and driving continuous improvement in fast-paced industrial environments.
Location
East Tennessee (Bristol area preferred / surrounding region)
This role is based in the greater East Tennessee region, offering an exceptional quality of life surrounded by the Appalachian Mountains. The area is known for its scenic beauty, strong outdoor lifestyle (hiking, boating, fishing, and mountain recreation), and a highly attractive cost of living. It offers a strong sense of community and an excellent environment for long-term personal and professional stability.
Key Responsibilities
Manufacturing & Operational Leadership
- Lead all plant manufacturing operations ensuring safe, efficient, high-quality production execution
- Develop and execute short- and long-term manufacturing strategies aligned with enterprise growth objectives
- Drive performance across KPIs including OEE, productivity, scrap reduction, on-time delivery, and cost optimization
- Build a culture of accountability, urgency, execution, and operational excellence
- Ensure manufacturing capabilities align with customer and business requirements
Safety, Quality & Compliance
- Champion a world-class, proactive safety culture focused on prevention and accountability
- Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, regulatory, and internal standards
- Partner with Quality leadership on root cause analysis, corrective actions, and preventive systems
- Drive continuous improvement in product quality and customer satisfaction
Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence
- Lead Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and TPM initiatives across operations
- Identify and implement process improvements, automation opportunities, and waste reduction strategies
- Establish disciplined daily management systems and performance routines
- Support capital planning and manufacturing investment strategies
Leadership & Talent Development
- Build, coach, and develop a high-performing manufacturing leadership team
- Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous development
- Partner with HR on workforce planning, succession planning, and employee relations
- Lead labor relations strategy in partnership with HR
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Product Development, Sales, Finance, and Quality
- Support new product introductions and manufacturing readiness
- Collaborate with Finance on budgeting, forecasting, and cost optimization
- Ensure manufacturing execution supports demand planning and customer commitments
Executive Leadership
- Serve as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team contributing to enterprise strategy
- Lead transformation initiatives and special projects as required
- Drive enterprise-wide operational improvement efforts
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, Business, or related field (required); advanced degree preferred
- 12+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including senior plant leadership roles
- Background in industrial, tools, consumer products, automotive, or related manufacturing environments preferred
- Proven success improving safety, quality, productivity, cost, and operational performance
- Deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement systems
- Experience leading large, complex hourly workforce environments
- Strong financial acumen including budgeting, labor efficiency, and cost management
- Demonstrated experience leading operational transformation or turnaround initiatives preferred
- Strong ERP/MRP and manufacturing analytics experience
- Excellent leadership, communication, and influencing skills
- Ability to operate both strategically and in hands-on execution mode
- Willingness to travel as required
Compensation & Benefits
- Base Salary: $225,000+ (commensurate with experience; top end reserved for exceptional candidates)
- Annual Incentive Bonus: 30% target based on company and individual performance
- Relocation Assistance
- Temporary Housing Support