VP of Operations

About the Company

Nikon SLM Solutions is a leading provider of metal-based additive manufacturing technology, commonly referred to as 3D printers, utilizing selective laser melting and powder bed fusion technology. Our 3D printers produce parts directly from a variety of metal powders for industries such as aerospace, energy, healthcare, and automotive. Headquartered in Lübeck, Germany, Nikon SLM Solutions employs approximately 600 people worldwide.

About the Role

The Vice President of Operations is responsible for leading Nikon SLM Solutions' U.S. operations while driving operational excellence, manufacturing performance, supply chain execution, and commercial operations. This executive leader provides strategic oversight into manufacturing, procurement, logistics, third-party manufacturing, warehouse operations, and operational planning to support the company's continued growth.

In addition to leading North American operations, this role provides global leadership for Nikon SLM Solutions' third-party manufacturing strategy, partnering with international manufacturing teams, including colleagues in Lübeck, Germany, to ensure alignment in production planning, operational execution, quality, and continuous improvement across external manufacturing partners.

Working cross-functionally with Engineering, Finance, Quality, Commercial, and Global Operations, the Vice President develops scalable operational strategies that improve efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, logistics, commercial operations, warehouse operations, and third-party manufacturing.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support business growth, operational excellence, and customer satisfaction.
• Lead organizational planning, workforce development, and continuous improvement initiatives across the Operations organization.
• Build a culture of accountability, collaboration, safety, and operational excellence.
• Oversee manufacturing operations, production planning, procurement, inventory management, logistics, and supplier performance.
• Develop and execute global third-party manufacturing strategies by partnering with international teams and external manufacturing partners to optimize quality, capacity, delivery performance, and cost.
• Collaborate with teams in Lübeck, Germany, to align global manufacturing priorities, production planning, and operational execution.
• Ensure operational readiness to support new product introductions and business growth.
• Own the Operations budget and operational P&L performance.
• Develop KPIs that measure manufacturing performance, supply chain efficiency, inventory, quality, and customer delivery.
• Drive cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and operational performance.
• Support annual business planning, forecasting, and capital investment decisions.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives across all operational functions.
• Standardize operational processes to improve productivity, scalability, and quality.
• Support enterprise-wide digital transformation initiatives, including ERP optimization and process automation.
• Establish performance metrics and reporting that drive data-based operational decisions.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Service, Commercial, Finance, and Product Management to improve operational performance and customer outcomes.
• Support Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) to align demand forecasting, production capacity, and inventory planning.
• Collaborate with global leadership to ensure regional execution aligns with overall company strategy.
• Lead strategic initiatives supporting new products, operational scalability, and long-term business objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline; Master's degree preferred.
• 10+ years of progressive operations leadership experience within manufacturing, industrial equipment, or advanced technology environments.
• Proven experience leading manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, procurement, and commercial operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational P&L and driving cost optimization initiatives.
• Strong background implementing Lean Manufacturing and operational excellence methodologies.
• Experience establishing KPIs and utilizing data to improve operational performance.
• Experience leading organizational transformation, process improvement, and operational scaling initiatives.
• Strong project management and change management experience.
• Experience working with ERP systems, preferably SAP S/4HANA.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Ability to influence stakeholders across global organizations and lead through change.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Six Sigma methodologies or certification.
• Experience managing third-party manufacturing (3PM) and third-party logistics/warehouse (3PL/3PO) partners.
• Experience supporting digital transformation initiatives utilizing automation, AI, or advanced analytics.
• Experience within additive manufacturing, industrial manufacturing, aerospace, medical device, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience leading globally distributed teams and collaborating across international organizations.

Benefits

• Health coverage including medical, dental, and vision
• 401(k) plan and 4% match
• Holiday Pay and Paid Time Off
• Paid parental leave
• Gym reimbursement
• Tuition reimbursement
• Company-paid disability coverage
• Company-paid life insurance