VP of Manufacturing Operations

The VP of Manufacturing Operations is a full-time, salaried position based in North Grafton, MA. Washington Mills seeks a highly experienced individual with a passion for operations management and a strong track record in heavy industry or continual process flow manufacturing.

About the Role

This role reports to the President and is part of the senior management team. The VP will manage operations at three manufacturing plants in Grafton, NY, and WI, with primary responsibility for the Grafton, MA site. Key responsibilities include driving safety culture, controlling costs, managing plant managers, overseeing personnel issues, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Drive a lead with safety culture by working closely with plant EHS managers
• Closely manage and control operating costs at each plant
• Work closely with cross-functional teams of Finance, HR, Sales, Purchasing to delight our customers through delivering manufacturing excellence
• Manage plant managers and work closely with them to maximize yields, improve throughput, reduce downtime, uphold quality, and keep the operations running smoothly
• Evaluate and prioritize capital expenditure needs or opportunities at each plant, including analysis of returns and payback period
• Work with finance to create a capex budget and justify projects
• Work closely with plant accountants to analyze monthly P&L results at each plant
• Oversee personnel issues at the plants. Interview and hire employees, oversee manpower levels, work schedules, and overtime. Work with plant managers and HR Director on succession planning
• Scope, plan, and execute new manufacturing engineering projects with the team and manage them to ensure timely completion within budget
• Create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement aimed at creating new solutions to increase plant efficiency and customer satisfaction
• Ensure systems and ways of work follow standardized operating procedures and changes are made in accordance with management of change protocols
• Lead by example and spend time on the manufacturing floor
• Work with management team on special projects, initiatives, business strategy, and decision making

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations, or related field
• 15+ years of experience in the manufacturing industry, with demonstrated experience and success in the role of operations
• Strong interpersonal communication skills – verbal/written
• Excellent computer skills, understanding of plant floor PLC systems, automation experience, ERP/MRP/PM platforms
• Experience and training in Lean Manufacturing methodology and systems
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport, develop and motivate teams and deliver results
• Self-disciplined, self-motivated, curious, detail-oriented, determined, diligent, unflappable
• Materials, mechanical, industrial, and manufacturing background
• Loves problem solving and not deterred by challenges
• Lead and manage within a framework that adheres to standard work and understanding of the methodology of the management of change
• High performer, quick study, excellent cognitive skills
• Organized, efficient, and comfortable managing a wide variety of non-routine tasks
• Passionate about leading the next generation of manufacturing in North America and driven to make a lasting and positive impact on the organization

Qualifications

• Passionate about leading the next generation of manufacturing in North America and driven to make a lasting and positive impact on the organization

Skills

• Strong interpersonal communication skills
• Excellent computer skills
• Understanding of plant floor PLC systems, automation experience, ERP/MRP/PM platforms
• Experience and training in Lean Manufacturing methodology and systems
• Demonstrated ability to build rapport, develop and motivate teams and deliver results
• Self-disciplined, self-motivated, curious, detail-oriented, determined, diligent, unflappable
• Materials, mechanical, industrial, and manufacturing background
• Loves problem solving and not deterred by challenges
• Lead and manage within a framework that adheres to standard work and understanding of the methodology of the management of change
• High performer, quick study, excellent cognitive skills
• Organized, efficient, and comfortable managing a wide variety of non-routine tasks

Benefits

• Competitive pay, commensurate with experience
• Profit sharing
• Heavily subsidized medical and dental plan
• Employer-sponsored retirement plan
• Company-paid life insurance
• Immediate paid vacation and generous holiday time
• Family-friendly sick and personal leave policies
• Opportunities for career development

Pay

Compensation ranges from $150K to $250K per year, depending on experience.

Schedule

Full-time, salaried position.