Vice President of Manufacturing

We are building our first in-house production operation and are hiring a Vice President of Manufacturing to lead it. This is a true ground-floor opportunity: no existing team, no legacy processes, and no established playbook. You will shape how we transition manufacturing operations in-house from contract manufacturers, define production, supply chain, inventory, and quality from day one, and work across both in-house and contract manufacturing partners. Reporting directly to the President as part of the senior leadership team, you will make key decisions on which products are built in-house versus outsourced, own cost and margin targets, and build the supplier relationships and inventory systems that keep production running on time. As the operation matures, you will hire and shape the team, making this ideal for someone who wants to build a function, not just run one.

Responsibilities

• Manufacturing Operations:
  • Own production control, process development, quality systems, and purchasing, both in-house and with contract manufacturing partners
  • Lead make-versus-buy decisions and own COGS/margin targets across all product lines
  • Align capacity with sales forecasts, meet lead times, and build out production metrics (throughput, labor productivity, equipment utilization)
  • Own the manufacturing budget and ensure facilities/equipment are properly built and maintained
• Supply Chain:
  • Lead sourcing, procurement, and materials planning to build and negotiate a reliable, cost-competitive supplier network
  • Develop inventory strategies that minimize investment and carrying cost, including material replenishment
  • Manage supplier performance, incoming inspection, and corrective action programs
  • Identify and mitigate supply chain risk with contingency planning for critical materials
• Quality:
  • Ensure products meet engineering specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
  • Own root cause/CAPA processes and key quality metrics (First-Pass Yield, Defect Rate, RMA Rate, COPQ, Supplier Quality)
  • Drive initiatives that reduce warranty cost and improve product reliability
• Leadership:
  • Build and lead the manufacturing, supply chain, and quality team from the ground up
  • Hold P&L accountability for the manufacturing function
  • Set departmental goals aligned to company strategy while partnering cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Product, and Finance

Requirements

• Required Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline
  • 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
  • Experience leading both internal manufacturing operations and outsourced/contract manufacturing
  • Demonstrated P&L management and success handling complex supply chains and supplier relationships
  • Proven track record improving efficiency, reducing costs, and scaling operations
  • Experience with ERP systems, production planning, inventory management, and quality management systems
  • Strong communicator, able to influence and negotiate at all organizational levels
  • Must be able to pass pre-employment screening, including background, drug/alcohol, and driving record checks
  • Willing and able to travel approximately 25% of the time
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • MBA or equivalent advanced business education
  • Background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or formal continuous improvement methodology
  • Prior experience standing up a new manufacturing facility or function from the ground floor
  • Experience in electronics or a related light-manufacturing/assembly industry

Benefits

• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) with company match up to 4%
• Medical, dental, and vision, with 50% of premium covered by the company

Pay

Base Salary: $150,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience.