Role Overview for SVP, Global Operations with an Industrial Manufacturer – Detroit, MI
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search for a transformative Senior Vice President (SVP) of Global Operations on behalf of our client, a multi-billion dollar, market-leading industrial manufacturer headquartered in the greater Detroit, MI area. This is a career-defining opportunity to join a prestigious organization at a pivotal moment in its history. Our client is renowned for its commitment to innovation, quality, and operational excellence, serving a diverse global customer base with mission-critical products.
As the SVP of Global Operations, you will be a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. You will be the strategic architect and operational leader responsible for the entire global manufacturing and supply chain footprint, encompassing dozens of facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia. This role is not merely about maintaining the status quo; it is about driving a paradigm shift in operational capability. You will be tasked with building a world-class, integrated global operations function that is a true competitive advantage—one that is agile, resilient, scalable, and relentlessly focused on continuous improvement.
The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a proven track record of transforming complex manufacturing environments. You will steer the organization through the next phase of its evolution, championing digital transformation, implementing Industry 4.0 initiatives, and fostering a culture of safety, quality, and accountability. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s profitability, market position, and long-term sustainable growth. This position demands a strategic thinker with a hands-on approach, capable of inspiring a large, diverse, and geographically dispersed team to achieve exceptional results.
Key Responsibilities of SVP, Global Operations with an Industrial Manufacturer – Detroit, MI
The SVP of Global Operations will have a broad and impactful mandate. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Execution
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive global operations strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Translate strategic goals into actionable plans, KPIs, and operational roadmaps. Drive initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and improve product quality and delivery performance across all sites.
Manufacturing Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion a culture of continuous improvement by deploying world-class methodologies. Oversee the implementation and refinement of robust lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence tools. Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery, ensuring all global facilities meet or exceed targets.
End-to-End Supply Chain Management
Assume full ownership of the global supply chain, including strategic sourcing, procurement, logistics, warehousing, inventory management, and distribution. Develop a resilient and agile supply chain strategy that mitigates risk, optimizes inventory levels, and ensures continuity of supply to meet fluctuating customer demand.
Financial Acumen & P&L Ownership
Hold full P&L responsibility for the global operations division. Develop and manage multi-hundred-million-dollar operating budgets, capital expenditure (CapEx) plans, and cost-saving initiatives. Drive profitability through rigorous financial oversight, productivity improvements, and strategic cost management.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and inspire a global team of thousands of employees. Attract, retain, and develop top-tier operational talent. Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture that empowers employees and promotes accountability. Implement robust succession planning for critical operational roles.
Global Footprint Optimization
Continuously assess the company’s global manufacturing and distribution network to ensure it is optimized for cost, service, and strategic growth. Lead network analysis and make data-driven recommendations for consolidation, expansion, or relocation of facilities.
Quality, Safety, and Compliance
Uphold the highest standards of product quality and workplace safety. Ensure all operations comply with local, national, and international regulations, as well as industry standards (e.g., ISO). Drive a ‘zero-incident’ safety culture across the entire organization.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Serve as a key partner to the C-suite and other functional leaders (e.g., R&D, Sales, Finance, HR). Ensure seamless collaboration and alignment between operations and other departments to support new product introductions, sales growth, and overall business success.
Requirements for the SVP, Global Operations with an Industrial Manufacturer – Detroit, MI
We are seeking an accomplished and dynamic executive with a demonstrated history of success in leading large-scale industrial operations. The successful candidate will possess:
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience in operations, with at least 7 years in a senior executive capacity (e.g., VP, SVP, or COO) within a complex, global industrial manufacturing organization with revenues exceeding $1 billion.
P&L Management
Proven experience managing a significant P&L, with a strong command of financial metrics, budgeting, and capital planning.
Technical Expertise
Deep, hands-on expertise in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other continuous improvement methodologies. A proven track record of successfully implementing these systems to drive tangible business results.
Global Leadership
Demonstrated success in leading large, multi-site, and culturally diverse teams across different continents. Must possess exceptional cross-cultural communication and leadership skills.
Strategic Mindset
The ability to think strategically and long-term, while also being able to dive into the details and drive execution. Experience in developing and implementing multi-year operational strategies is essential.
Transformational Leadership
A history of leading significant organizational change, including cultural transformation, process re-engineering, and technology adoption (e.g., ERP implementation, Industry 4.0).
Interpersonal Skills
Superior communication, presentation, and influencing skills. The ability to build strong relationships and credibility with the board of directors, executive peers, employees, and external partners.
Location
Ability to be based in the greater Detroit, MI area and travel globally as required (approximately 25-30%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain a leader of this caliber. This includes:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary, a significant annual performance-based bonus, and a meaningful long-term incentive plan (e.g., equity, phantom stock).
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premier medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage for you and your family.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a strong company match and other potential deferred compensation programs.
Relocation
A comprehensive executive relocation package will be provided for the successful candidate and their family.
Paid Time Off
Executive-level paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
Support for ongoing professional development, including executive coaching and industry conferences.
Impact & Influence
A unique opportunity to shape the future of a global industry leader and leave a lasting legacy on the organization.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive search firm retained for this critical SVP, Global Operations assignment. All inquiries and applications will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We invite qualified candidates to express their interest by submitting a current resume and a compelling cover letter outlining their qualifications and accomplishments as they relate to this role.
To learn more about our dedicated focus on recruiting top-tier talent in this sector, we invite you to visit the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing Practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application and discussing this exceptional opportunity with you.
