Role Overview for Interim Chief Operating Officer | Manufacturing Turnaround | Charlotte, NC
JRG Partners, a premier executive search firm, is seeking a highly experienced and results-driven Interim Chief Operating Officer (COO) on behalf of our client, a private equity-backed manufacturing company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. This is a critical, project-based engagement for a seasoned executive with a proven track record of leading successful operational turnarounds in complex manufacturing environments. The company is at a pivotal juncture, facing operational challenges that require immediate and decisive leadership to restore profitability, optimize production, and position the organization for sustainable long-term growth.
As the Interim COO, you will be parachuted into a dynamic and demanding situation, tasked with rapidly assessing the current state of operations, developing a comprehensive turnaround strategy, and executing it with precision and urgency. You will have full authority over all operational functions, including production, supply chain, quality assurance, engineering, and logistics. This role is not for the faint of heart; it requires a hands-on leader who can roll up their sleeves, diagnose root-cause issues on the shop floor, and simultaneously provide high-level strategic direction to the executive team and board of directors. You will be the primary agent of change, responsible for stabilizing the business, driving significant performance improvements, and building a foundation for future success. Your success will be measured by tangible improvements in key performance indicators such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), First Pass Yield (FPY), on-time delivery, inventory turns, and ultimately, EBITDA.
The ideal candidate is a battle-tested operations executive who thrives in high-pressure situations and possesses a deep toolkit of methodologies for process improvement and cost reduction. You are a master of change management, capable of inspiring and motivating a workforce through a period of significant transition while making tough but necessary decisions. This is a unique opportunity to make a profound and lasting impact on a business, leveraging your expertise to navigate a complex challenge and deliver transformative results.
Key Responsibilities of Interim Chief Operating Officer | Manufacturing Turnaround | Charlotte, NC
The Interim COO will assume broad responsibility for the company’s operational performance. Key duties include:
Turnaround Strategy Development & Execution
Conduct a rapid and thorough diagnostic of the entire manufacturing operation to identify critical bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas of financial leakage. Develop a data-driven, 90-day, 6-month, and 12-month turnaround plan with clear objectives, timelines, and measurable KPIs. Lead the execution of this plan, holding the organization accountable for results and making real-time adjustments as needed.
Operational Excellence & Process Re-engineering
Champion a culture of continuous improvement across the organization. Implement and drive best practices in manufacturing, leveraging your deep expertise in Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, Kaizen, 5S, and other methodologies. Analyze and optimize production workflows, plant layout, and equipment utilization to maximize throughput and minimize waste.
Financial & P&L Management
Take ownership of the operational budget and P&L. Develop and manage financial models to track performance against the turnaround plan. Identify and execute aggressive cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or safety. Oversee capital expenditure planning to ensure investments are targeted at the highest-impact areas.
Supply Chain & Inventory Optimization
Conduct a comprehensive review of the end-to-end supply chain. Renegotiate contracts with key suppliers to improve terms and reduce costs. Implement robust Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to better align demand forecasting with production and inventory levels. Reduce working capital by optimizing inventory (raw materials, WIP, finished goods) through strategies like Just-in-Time (JIT) and vendor-managed inventory.
Quality Control & Assurance Systems Overhaul
Assess and strengthen the company’s Quality Management System (QMS). Implement rigorous quality control processes at every stage of production to reduce defect rates, scrap, and rework. Ensure compliance with all relevant industry standards (e.g., ISO 9001) and customer-specific quality requirements.
Leadership, Mentorship, & Change Management
Evaluate the existing operational leadership team and organizational structure. Make critical personnel decisions, including coaching, restructuring, and, if necessary, replacing key individuals. Serve as a mentor to the operations team, upskilling their capabilities to sustain improvements long after the interim engagement. Communicate the vision and turnaround plan effectively across all levels of the organization to build buy-in and manage morale during a period of uncertainty.
Stakeholder Reporting & Communication
Establish a clear reporting cadence to provide regular, transparent updates on progress to the CEO, Board of Directors, and private equity sponsors. Prepare detailed reports and presentations on operational performance, financial metrics, and key project milestones. Act as the primary operational liaison with all key stakeholders.
Requirements for the Interim Chief Operating Officer | Manufacturing Turnaround | Charlotte, NC
Candidates must possess a specific and demonstrable track record of success in similar roles. The requirements are stringent and non-negotiable:
Experience
A minimum of 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive role (e.g., COO, VP of Operations, General Manager) with full P&L responsibility.
Turnaround Expertise
Proven, hands-on experience leading a minimum of two successful, rapid operational turnarounds within a manufacturing environment. Candidates must be able to provide specific, quantifiable examples of the challenges they faced, the strategies they implemented, and the results they achieved (e.g., % improvement in EBITDA, reduction in operating costs, increase in OEE).
Industry Background
Deep experience in discrete or process manufacturing is essential. Preference will be given to candidates with experience in industrial goods, automotive, aerospace, or similar complex assembly environments.
Technical Skills
Expert-level knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma methodologies is required (Six Sigma Black Belt certification is highly preferred). Strong financial acumen, with the ability to dissect financial statements, build operational budgets from the ground up, and model the financial impact of operational changes. Proficiency with modern ERP systems is a must.
Leadership Qualities
A decisive, high-energy leader with a bias for action and a sense of urgency. Exceptional problem-solving and analytical skills. A calm and steady presence under pressure, with outstanding crisis management capabilities. Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and align stakeholders at all levels.
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Location
Ability to be on-site in Charlotte, NC for the duration of the engagement is mandatory.
Benefits & Perks Offered
This is a challenging, high-stakes engagement that offers significant professional and financial rewards for the right candidate. Compensation for this role will be highly competitive and commensurate with the candidate’s experience and the demands of the position.
Competitive Compensation
A premium daily or weekly consulting rate reflective of the critical nature of this role.
Performance-Based Incentives
A significant completion and/or performance bonus tied to the achievement of specific, pre-defined turnaround milestones and financial targets.
High-Impact Engagement
The opportunity to step into a pivotal leadership role and make a tangible, measurable impact on the trajectory of a business.
Professional Challenge
The chance to apply your full range of operational and leadership skills to solve a complex business problem, further cementing your reputation as a top-tier turnaround executive.
Executive Partnership
Work directly with a committed private equity sponsor and executive team who are dedicated to providing the resources necessary for success.
How to Apply
If you are a seasoned operational leader with a distinguished career in leading manufacturing turnarounds and you are ready for your next challenge, we encourage you to apply. JRG Partners is committed to identifying and placing transformative leaders who drive exceptional value.
To be considered for this immediate opportunity, please submit your resume and a detailed cover letter. Your cover letter should explicitly outline your specific turnaround experiences, detailing the operational and financial results you achieved. Due to the high volume of interest, only candidates with direct turnaround experience will be contacted.
To apply and learn more about our expertise in placing executives within investment portfolios, please connect with Interim & Fractional Executive Search Firm. We look forward to reviewing your qualifications.
