Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer | Automotive Components Manufacturer | Nashville, TN
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, Tier-1 automotive components manufacturer in their exclusive search for a transformative Chief Operating Officer (COO). Based in the vibrant and rapidly growing hub of Nashville, TN, our client is a market leader renowned for its innovation, quality, and commitment to excellence. With a strong portfolio of products supplied to major global OEMs, the company is poised for its next phase of significant growth and technological advancement. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned and strategic operational leader to make a substantial impact on the future trajectory of a well-established and respected organization.
The Chief Operating Officer will serve as the right hand to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), acting as a key member of the executive leadership team. You will be entrusted with the full scope of the company’s operational capabilities, translating the organization’s high-level strategic vision into tangible, efficient, and profitable execution. This role demands a leader who is not just a manager of day-to-day functions but a true architect of operational excellence. You will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing, supply chain management, quality assurance, engineering, and logistics across multiple facilities. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the automotive industry’s unique demands, a relentless drive for continuous improvement, and the ability to inspire a large, diverse workforce towards common goals. Your leadership will be pivotal in enhancing productivity, reducing costs, ensuring unparalleled product quality, and ultimately, driving bottom-line growth and shareholder value.
Success in this role will be measured by your ability to optimize processes, scale operations effectively, and foster a culture of accountability, safety, and innovation. You will be challenged to analyze existing operational frameworks, identify areas for improvement, and implement cutting-edge strategies, including Industry 4.0 initiatives, to secure the company’s competitive edge for years to come. If you are a visionary operations executive with a proven track record of success in the automotive manufacturing sector, we invite you to explore this exceptional leadership opportunity.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer | Automotive Components Manufacturer | Nashville, TN
The Chief Operating Officer will have a broad and critical set of responsibilities, encompassing the entire operational spectrum of the business. You will be expected to provide hands-on leadership while maintaining a strategic, forward-looking perspective. Key duties include:
Strategic Planning and Execution
- Collaborate directly with the CEO and other C-suite executives to develop and refine the company’s long-term strategic plans and annual operating plans.
- Translate strategic objectives into measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) and actionable operational goals for all departments under your purview.
- Lead the execution of operational strategies to achieve targets related to revenue growth, profitability, cost reduction, and market share expansion.
- Conduct regular performance reviews of business operations against established goals, implementing corrective actions as necessary to ensure targets are met or exceeded.
Operational Leadership and Management
- Direct and oversee the daily operations of the company’s manufacturing plants, ensuring production targets are met efficiently, safely, and to the highest quality standards.
- Champion and embed a culture of continuous improvement throughout the organization, utilizing methodologies such as lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to drive waste reduction and process optimization.
- Develop, implement, and monitor comprehensive operational budgets, managing P&L for all operational departments and ensuring effective resource allocation and capital expenditure (CapEx) planning.
- Establish and enforce policies and procedures that promote company culture, vision, and operational integrity across all sites.
Supply Chain and Logistics Optimization
- Provide executive oversight for the entire supply chain function, including procurement, inventory management, warehousing, and logistics.
- Develop and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers and logistics partners to ensure a resilient, cost-effective, and reliable supply chain.
- Implement advanced supply chain strategies and technologies to improve forecasting accuracy, reduce lead times, optimize inventory levels, and mitigate risks.
- Negotiate major contracts with suppliers and service providers to secure favorable terms and ensure continuity of supply for critical components.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
- Uphold and advance the company’s commitment to world-class quality by overseeing the Quality Assurance and Quality Control departments.
- Ensure strict adherence to all automotive industry standards, including IATF 16949, as well as customer-specific requirements.
- Drive a ‘zero-defect’ mindset across the organization, implementing robust quality systems and root cause analysis processes to prevent and resolve quality issues.
- Guarantee compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations pertaining to manufacturing, environmental standards, and workplace health and safety (EHS).
Leadership and Talent Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing senior operations management team, fostering an environment of collaboration, accountability, and professional growth.
- Champion a strong safety culture, ensuring that all employees are trained and equipped to work safely and that all facilities comply with OSHA and other safety regulations.
- Work closely with Human Resources to implement effective talent acquisition, performance management, and succession planning strategies for the operations division.
- Promote a positive and inclusive work environment that attracts, retains, and motivates top talent at all levels of the organization.
Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer | Automotive Components Manufacturer | Nashville, TN
The successful candidate will be a results-oriented and battle-tested leader with extensive experience in the automotive manufacturing landscape. We are seeking an individual who combines strategic vision with a hands-on, pragmatic approach to problem-solving. The specific qualifications are:
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience within a complex manufacturing environment, with at least 5-7 years in a senior executive capacity (e.g., COO, VP of Operations, General Manager) with full P&L responsibility for a significant business unit or enterprise.
Industry Expertise
Direct and substantial experience within the automotive components manufacturing industry (Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier) is mandatory. A deep understanding of OEM expectations, supply chain dynamics, and industry-specific quality standards is crucial.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or Electrical), Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Operational Acumen
Demonstrated mastery of modern manufacturing principles. Certifications and extensive practical experience in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt preferred), and other continuous improvement methodologies are essential.
Financial Skills
Proven financial acumen with experience developing and managing multi-million dollar budgets, analyzing financial statements, and driving profitability through operational efficiencies.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional leadership and people management skills with the proven ability to lead large, multi-site teams. A track record of building, mentoring, and motivating high-performing teams is required.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and translate business vision into a comprehensive operational plan. Experience with M&A integration is a plus.
Communication Skills
Superior verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to effectively present information and influence decision-making at all levels, from the shop floor to the boardroom and with external customers.
Technical Proficiency
Strong familiarity with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and the application of Industry 4.0 technologies (IoT, automation, data analytics) in a manufacturing setting.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent. In addition to the opportunity to lead a dynamic organization, the successful candidate will be offered a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus and a long-term incentive plan (LTIP) tied to company performance and value creation.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
A full suite of benefits including premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company matching contribution to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
An executive-level paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid company holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family to facilitate a smooth transition to the Nashville area.
Professional Development
Support for ongoing executive education, industry conferences, and professional development to ensure you remain at the forefront of the industry.
Additional Perks
Executive car allowance, life insurance, disability coverage, and other perquisites commensurate with a senior leadership role.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical executive search. To express your interest in this outstanding opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and your vision for this role.
All applications will be handled with the utmost discretion and confidentiality. We understand the sensitive nature of executive-level career transitions and are committed to protecting your privacy throughout the process.
To learn more about our expertise in this sector and to submit your application, please visit our Automotive & Mobility Executive Recruiters practice area page. We look forward to connecting with you.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
