Vice President Manufacturing Operations (A&D)
About the role
The Vice President- Manufacturing Operations will lead multiple operating divisions within the company's aerospace and defense portfolio. This is an onsite role with regular travel required between manufacturing sites.
Responsibilities
Full P&L accountability for assigned business units, ensuring financial performance, cost efficiency, and margin optimization.
Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing sites.
Lead initiatives in production performance, supply chain management, and process optimization.
Ensure compliance with industry quality standards and regulatory requirements.
Develop and execute business strategies that align with enterprise objectives and support sustainable growth.
Identify opportunities for market expansion, new customer engagement, and strategic partnerships.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering, sales, and program management to accelerate innovation and delivery.
Requirements
Education: Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (required), advanced business education (MBA or equivalent) preferred.
Industry Experience: Aerospace or defense manufacturing background required, deep understanding of precision machining, component manufacturing, or engineered systems, demonstrated success in highly regulated, quality-driven production environments, experience managing multi-site operations and diverse product portfolios.
Leadership Experience: Minimum 20 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations, proven success in senior operational or general management roles with full P&L responsibility.
Technical & Business Acumen: Strong financial and analytical skills with a strategic mindset, expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies, ability to translate operational metrics into strategic decisions.
Qualifications
Proven track record of leading complex, multi-site operations.
Strategic thinker with a focus on operational excellence and continuous improvement.
Ability to build and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Skills
Operational leadership and management skills.
Strategic planning and execution skills.
People management and development skills.
Financial analysis and reporting skills.
Collaboration and teamwork skills.
Benefits
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience ($250,000-$300,000)
Annual performance bonus
Long-term incentive or equity participation
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
401(k) plan
Paid time off, family leave, and relocation support
Pay
Base salary range: $250,000 - $300,000
Schedule
Onsite role with regular travel required between manufacturing sites.
Company Information
Our client is a global leader in precision-engineered components and systems serving the aerospace, defense, and advanced industrial sectors. With a longstanding heritage of manufacturing excellence, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation. Privately held and values-driven, the organization operates multiple manufacturing and engineering facilities worldwide, supporting leading OEMs and tier-one suppliers on some of the industry's most advanced programs. Known for operational discipline and long-term partnerships, it combines the stability of a mature enterprise with the agility of a modern, high-growth manufacturer.