Role Overview for VP, Plant Operations with a Heavy Equipment Manufacturer – Peoria, IL
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to identify a transformative Vice President of Plant Operations for a world-renowned heavy equipment manufacturer located in the industrial heartland of Peoria, Illinois. This is a premier executive leadership opportunity to take ownership of a large-scale, complex manufacturing facility and guide its operational future. Our client is a global leader, recognized for its engineering excellence, product durability, and commitment to innovation. This role is not just about maintaining the status quo; it’s about architecting a future of unparalleled efficiency, safety, and profitability.
As the VP of Plant Operations, you will be the senior-most leader on-site, holding ultimate responsibility for the entire plant ecosystem. You will serve as the strategic visionary and tactical executor, ensuring that every facet of production—from raw material intake to finished product shipment—operates at a world-class level. You will be tasked with developing and deploying a forward-thinking operational strategy that aligns with the company’s global objectives, driving a culture of continuous improvement, and mentoring a team of dedicated operations professionals.
This role requires a leader who can balance the demands of daily production with the necessity of long-term strategic planning, capital investment, and workforce development. You will be the linchpin connecting corporate strategy to shop-floor execution, ensuring the Peoria facility remains a cornerstone of the company’s global manufacturing footprint and a benchmark for operational excellence within the industry.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Plant Operations with a Heavy Equipment Manufacturer – Peoria, IL
Strategic & Operational Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year operational strategy for the plant that supports corporate growth, profitability, and market leadership goals. Translate strategic objectives into actionable plans and measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) across all departments.
Production Management
Direct all production and assembly operations to consistently meet and exceed targets for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Implement advanced production planning and scheduling systems to optimize workflow, minimize downtime, and maximize overall equipment effectiveness (OEE).
Financial & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for the plant. Develop, manage, and meticulously control the annual operating budget, capital expenditure (CAPEX) plans, and cost-reduction initiatives. Conduct regular financial reviews and provide accurate forecasting to executive leadership.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Initiatives
Champion a robust culture of continuous improvement by leading the deployment of Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, Kaizen events, and other CI tools. Drive transformative projects aimed at eliminating waste, improving process flow, and enhancing productivity.
World-Class Safety & Compliance
Cultivate a zero-incident safety culture. Ensure the facility operates in strict compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations, including OSHA and environmental standards. Lead the Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) team to implement proactive safety programs and risk mitigation strategies.
Quality Assurance Leadership
Uphold and elevate the company’s reputation for quality. Oversee the Quality Assurance department to ensure adherence to stringent quality control standards (e.g., ISO 9001) at every stage of the manufacturing process. Drive root cause analysis and corrective action plans to minimize defects and warranty claims.
Team Development & Mentorship
Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing senior management team. Foster a plant-wide culture of accountability, collaboration, transparency, and employee engagement. Oversee talent management strategies, including succession planning, training programs, and performance management systems.
Supply Chain & Materials Management
Collaborate closely with corporate supply chain leaders to optimize inventory levels, ensure material availability, and streamline logistics. Drive improvements in materials management processes within the plant to support production and minimize carrying costs.
Technology & Capital Projects
Identify opportunities for technological advancement, including automation, robotics, and smart factory (Industry 4.0) initiatives. Lead the justification, planning, and execution of major capital investment projects to enhance manufacturing capabilities and efficiency.
Requirements for the VP, Plant Operations with a Heavy Equipment Manufacturer – Peoria, IL
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience within a complex, large-scale manufacturing environment. A minimum of 7 years in a top-level plant leadership role (e.g., Plant Manager, Director of Operations, VP of Manufacturing) with full P&L responsibility is essential.
Industry Expertise
Direct experience in heavy equipment, automotive, aerospace, defense, or a similar industry characterized by heavy fabrication, complex assembly, and stringent quality standards is required.
Lean & CI Mastery
Demonstrated expertise in the successful implementation of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles. Proven track record of driving significant, quantifiable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost metrics. Six Sigma Black Belt or Lean Master certification is a significant asset.
Financial Acumen
Sophisticated financial skills with proven experience managing multi-million dollar budgets, analyzing financial statements, and developing compelling business cases for capital investments.
Leadership Presence
Exceptional leadership and interpersonal skills with the proven ability to lead, influence, and motivate a large, diverse workforce. Must possess executive presence and the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the C-suite.
Strategic Mindset
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities. The ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and develop innovative, long-term solutions.
Change Management
Proven experience leading significant organizational change, driving cultural transformation, and gaining buy-in for new initiatives.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a comprehensive and competitive total rewards package, including:
- An attractive executive base salary and a significant annual performance-based bonus.
- Long-term incentive programs, including stock options or other equity-based compensation.
- A comprehensive benefits package, including premium medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Substantial paid time off (PTO), including vacation, sick days, and company holidays.
- A comprehensive relocation package for the successful candidate and their family.
- Opportunities for continued professional development and executive education.
- Access to company wellness programs and other executive-level perquisites.
How to Apply
This is a confidential search process conducted by JRG Partners. If you are a results-oriented, strategic manufacturing leader with a passion for operational excellence and a proven history of transforming plant operations, we invite you to apply. To be considered for this pivotal leadership role, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and accomplishments.
JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment. To learn more about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Industrial & Manufacturing executive search practice. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
