Vice President Operations

Persistent Recruiting Solutions is representing a leading aerospace and defense manufacturer seeking a Vice President of Operations to join its executive leadership team. This is a highly visible role responsible for leading manufacturing, supply chain, engineering support, and facilities while driving operational excellence across the organization. The ideal candidate is a strategic, hands-on leader who thrives in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment and enjoys building high-performing teams while delivering exceptional business results.

Position Summary

The Vice President of Operations provides executive leadership for all manufacturing operations, supply chain, materials management, manufacturing engineering, and facilities. As a key member of the leadership team, this individual will develop and execute operational strategies that improve productivity, increase profitability, and support long-term business growth. This role partners closely with customers and cross-functional leaders to ensure operational excellence while fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and innovation.

What You\'ll Do

• Provide executive leadership for manufacturing, materials management, manufacturing engineering, supply chain, and facilities operations
• Develop and execute operational strategies that align with company objectives and long-term growth initiatives
• Drive key performance metrics including on-time delivery, first-pass yield, inventory performance, productivity, and operational efficiency
• Lead CAPEX planning and productivity initiatives to improve manufacturing capabilities and support future growth
• Foster a culture of Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, accountability, and operational excellence
• Partner closely with Engineering, Sales, Quality, and customers to deliver innovative, cost-effective manufacturing solutions
• Ensure production teams have the tools, equipment, documentation, and technical support needed for successful execution
• Establish plant performance goals and monitor progress through KPIs and operational reviews
• Develop and manage annual operating budgets and capital expenditures
• Build, mentor, and develop leadership talent while creating succession plans for future organizational growth
• Promote collaboration across all functional departments to improve communication and execution
• Participate in executive planning, business reviews, and strategic initiatives

What Sets You Apart

• Bachelor\'s degree in Engineering, Business, Management, or a related discipline; MBA or advanced degree preferred
• 5 + years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, including senior operations leadership, with a proven track record of leading turnaround initiatives, improving on-time delivery, and building disciplined, metrics-driven organizations.
• Aerospace, defense, or engineered components manufacturing experience strongly preferred
• Experience leading high-mix, low-volume manufacturing operations
• Strong background in operational excellence, Lean manufacturing, and continuous improvement
• Proven success leading large cross-functional teams and developing future leaders
• Experience with supply chain, materials management, manufacturing engineering, and production operations
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing budgets, capital projects, and operational performance metrics
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate business objectives into operational execution
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and organizational skills
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to influence across all levels of the organization

Why This Role

• Executive leadership position with significant influence on company strategy and operational performance
• Opportunity to lead all manufacturing operations for a respected aerospace and defense manufacturer
• Highly visible role working directly with the President and executive leadership team
• Ability to shape operational strategy, improve performance, and build a culture of continuous improvement
• Lead major operational initiatives that directly impact growth, profitability, and customer satisfaction
• Opportunity to develop future leaders and build a best-in-class operations organization
• Join a company committed to innovation, accountability, teamwork, and operational excellence

Additional Requirements

• Experience in a fast-paced, regulated manufacturing environment
• Strong commitment to safety, quality, ethics, and customer satisfaction
• Ability to work effectively across engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and commercial teams
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

This role pays 1 million in stock options and a 40% bonus.