Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Excellence with an Industrial Supplier – Pittsburgh, PA
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier industrial supplier, a recognized leader in providing high-quality components and solutions to a diverse range of global industries. Our client has built an impeccable reputation on innovation, reliability, and an unwavering commitment to customer success. As they embark on their next phase of strategic growth and operational optimization, they are seeking a transformative leader to join their executive team as the Vice President of Manufacturing Excellence. This is a pivotal, high-impact role based in the industrial heartland of Pittsburgh, PA, designed for a visionary operations executive who can champion a culture of continuous improvement and drive world-class performance across all manufacturing functions.
The VP of Manufacturing Excellence will be the principal architect of the company’s operational strategy, responsible for creating and deploying a unified manufacturing system that emphasizes safety, quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness across multiple plant locations. This executive will act as a change agent, inspiring teams to embrace modern manufacturing principles and technologies to achieve breakthrough results. You will be tasked with standardizing best practices, optimizing processes, and developing the talent necessary to sustain a culture of excellence.
This position reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and is a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing significantly to the company’s long-term strategic planning and profitability. The ideal candidate is a data-driven, hands-on leader with a proven track record of transforming manufacturing organizations and delivering tangible improvements in key performance indicators (KPIs).
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Excellence with an Industrial Supplier – Pittsburgh, PA
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive manufacturing excellence strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Champion a forward-thinking vision for the future of manufacturing within the organization, incorporating principles of Industry 4.0, automation, and smart factory technologies.
Continuous Improvement Culture
Lead the enterprise-wide deployment of a robust continuous improvement framework. Implement and sustain world-class Lean Six Sigma methodologies, including tools such as Kaizen, 5S, Value Stream Mapping, TPM (Total Productive Maintenance), and Standard Work. Foster a culture where every employee is engaged in identifying and eliminating waste.
Operational Performance & KPI Management
Establish, monitor, and drive improvement in key operational metrics across all facilities, including Safety (TRIR), Quality (PPM, FPY), Delivery (OTD), and Cost (Productivity, OEE, Scrap). Utilize data analytics to identify performance gaps and implement effective corrective actions.
Multi-Site Operations Management
Provide strategic oversight and direction to all plant managers and their teams. Ensure consistency and standardization of best practices, policies, and procedures across the manufacturing network to leverage enterprise-wide synergies.
Capital Investment & Asset Management
Lead the strategic planning and execution of the annual capital expenditure (CapEx) budget for manufacturing. Develop business cases for investments in new equipment, technology, and facility upgrades to enhance capacity, improve quality, and reduce costs.
Talent Development & Mentorship
Build a high-performing manufacturing leadership team. Actively mentor and develop plant managers and other key operational talent, creating a pipeline of future leaders. Champion training programs that enhance the skills and capabilities of the entire manufacturing workforce.
Quality & Safety Systems Oversight
Partner with EHS and Quality leaders to ensure a world-class safety culture and robust quality management systems (e.g., ISO 9001). Drive a zero-incident mindset and ensure all operations comply with regulatory standards (OSHA, EPA).
New Product Introduction (NPI) Collaboration
Work closely with Engineering, R&D, and Supply Chain teams to ensure the seamless and efficient transition of new products from design to full-scale production. Champion Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
Financial & Budgetary Control
Assume full P&L responsibility for manufacturing operations. Develop and manage annual operating budgets, labor plans, and productivity targets. Drive cost reduction initiatives without compromising safety or quality.
Supply Chain Integration
Collaborate with the VP of Supply Chain to optimize inventory levels, improve material flow, and ensure production schedules are aligned with customer demand and supply chain capabilities.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Excellence with an Industrial Supplier – Pittsburgh, PA
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Management, or a related technical field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Professional Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in a manufacturing environment, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (e.g., Director of Operations, Plant Manager, VP of Operations) overseeing multiple manufacturing sites.
Industry Expertise
Significant experience within an industrial manufacturing environment is essential. Background in areas such as metal fabrication, machining, assembly, or similar industrial processes is highly advantageous.
Lean/Six Sigma Mastery
Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt is strongly preferred. Must demonstrate extensive, hands-on experience in leading successful lean transformations and driving a culture of continuous improvement, with quantifiable results.
Strategic & Analytical Skills
Proven ability to think strategically, analyze complex situations, and develop and implement effective operational plans. Must be highly proficient in using data to drive decisions and measure performance.
Leadership & Influence
Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a large, diverse team. A proven track record of being a successful change agent who can build consensus and drive organizational alignment.
Financial Acumen
Strong financial literacy with extensive experience in P&L management, budgeting, forecasting, and capital project justification.
Technical Aptitude
Solid understanding of modern manufacturing technologies, including automation, robotics, and MES/ERP systems. Experience with Industry 4.0 implementation is a plus.
Communication Skills
Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills. Must be able to communicate complex ideas effectively to a wide range of audiences, from the shop floor to the executive boardroom.
Location & Travel
Ability to work on-site at the corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA, with regular travel (approximately 25-40%) to other manufacturing facilities.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
Meaningful equity participation or a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) designed to reward contributions to the company’s growth and success.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, with company-sponsored HSA contributions.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick days, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
Support for continued learning, executive coaching, and participation in industry conferences and seminars.
Additional Perks
Executive-level perks such as a car allowance, life insurance, and disability coverage.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this critical VP of Manufacturing Excellence role. If you are a transformative operations leader with a passion for building world-class manufacturing organizations, we encourage you to apply. To be considered, please submit your confidential resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments.
JRG Partners specializes in connecting elite talent with leading companies. Learn more about our expertise in the Industrial and Manufacturing sector and discover how we can help advance your career. We look forward to reviewing your application. All inquiries will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality.
