Chief Operating Officer

Essential Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership
• Manufacturing Excellence
• Sales & Customer Service
• Financial & Business Management
• Leadership & Talent Development

Manufacturing Excellence

• Lead all manufacturing and plastic fabrication operations to ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective production.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with corporate goals and growth objectives.
• Oversee production planning, scheduling, inventory management, logistics, warehousing, and distribution.
• Maintain plant performance using key performance indicators (KPIs) and implement corrective actions as needed.
• Ensure optimal utilization of labor, equipment, and manufacturing resources.
• Drive Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Optimize fabrication processes, including cutting, CNC machining, thermoforming, welding, bonding, assembly, and finishing.
• Support implementation of automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 technologies where applicable.
• Oversee procurement, sourcing, supplier performance, inventory control, and logistics operations.
• Develop strategic supplier relationships to ensure quality, cost efficiency, and on-time delivery.
• Improve inventory turnover and working capital performance.
• Ensure compliance with ISO 9001, OSHA, EPA, and all applicable environmental, health, and safety regulations.
• Lead quality assurance programs to improve product consistency and customer satisfaction.
• Drive corrective and preventive action (CAPA) initiatives and continuous quality improvement.
• Partner with the CFO to develop operational budgets, forecasts, and capital expenditure plans.
• Manage operational costs while maintaining high standards of quality and customer service.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and improve operational profitability.
• Support capital investment decisions for equipment, facility expansion, and process improvements.

Sales & Customer Service

• Collaborate with Sales, Engineering, and Customer Service teams to ensure timely delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Support new product introductions, product launches, and custom fabrication projects.
• Participate in strategic planning, acquisitions, and operational due diligence activities.

Financial & Business Management

• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing manufacturing and operations teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.
• Promote employee engagement and operational excellence across all departments.
• Manage operational costs while maintaining high standards of quality and customer service.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and improve operational profitability.
• Support capital investment decisions for equipment, facility expansion, and process improvements.

Leadership & Talent Development

• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing manufacturing and operations teams.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Lead workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.
• Promote employee engagement and operational excellence across all departments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field.
• MBA or Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
• At least 7 years in an executive operations leadership role such as COO, Vice President of Operations, Director of Manufacturing, or Plant Director.
• Extensive experience in plastic fabrication, plastic manufacturing, custom fabrication, industrial manufacturing, or related industries.
• Strong knowledge of plastic fabrication processes, including CNC machining, thermoforming, routing, welding, bonding, assembly, and finishing.
• Proven experience managing multi-site manufacturing operations.
• Strong financial acumen with experience managing operational budgets and P&L performance.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and decision-making skills.