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# Chief Operating Officer with a Global Industrial Manufacturer – Pittsburgh, PA


Role Overview for Chief Operating Officer with a Global Industrial Manufacturer – Pittsburgh, PA
JRG Partners is proud to announce an exclusive executive search for a transformative Chief Operating Officer (COO) on behalf of our client, a prestigious and highly respected global industrial manufacturer headquartered in the greater Pittsburgh, PA area. With a rich history of innovation and a multi-billion dollar global footprint, our client is a market leader in designing and producing complex engineered products for a diverse range of critical industries. This is a rare opportunity to join the C-suite of a thriving organization and play a pivotal role in shaping its future trajectory.
As the Chief Operating Officer, you will serve as the right hand to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), assuming responsibility for the entire spectrum of the company’s global operations. You will be the driving force behind operational excellence, tasked with translating the company’s ambitious strategic vision into flawlessly executed operational reality. This role demands a leader who is not only a master of complex, multi-site manufacturing and supply chain logistics but also a strategic visionary who can anticipate market shifts, champion technological innovation, and inspire a global workforce toward a unified goal of superior performance and sustainable growth.
The ideal candidate will be a seasoned executive with a proven track record of scaling operations, optimizing complex global supply chains, and implementing world-class manufacturing methodologies. You will be entrusted with enhancing efficiency, quality, safety, and profitability across all operational functions, from raw material procurement to final product delivery. This position is based at the company’s corporate headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA, and will require a leader who can build strong relationships across the organization, foster a culture of continuous improvement, and ultimately ensure the company’s operational capabilities are a key competitive advantage in the global marketplace.
Key Responsibilities of Chief Operating Officer with a Global Industrial Manufacturer – Pittsburgh, PA
The Chief Operating Officer will have a broad and impactful mandate, with direct oversight of all operational aspects of the business. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic Leadership & Operational Execution

Partner directly with the CEO and other C-suite executives to develop and refine the company’s long-term strategic plans, ensuring operational capabilities are aligned with growth objectives.
Translate high-level strategy into detailed, actionable operational plans, budgets, and performance targets for all manufacturing sites and functional departments.
Establish, monitor, and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) across the organization, including safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and cost (SQDIC).
Lead major change management and business transformation initiatives, driving the adoption of best practices and ensuring smooth integration of new processes and technologies.
Serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing operational insights and contributing to M&A due diligence and integration activities.

Global Manufacturing & Plant Operations

Provide executive oversight for all company-owned manufacturing facilities across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Champion and institutionalize a culture of continuous improvement by deploying methodologies such as Lean Manufacturing, TPM, and the principles of the American Society for Quality (ASQ) on Six Sigma to eliminate waste and enhance productivity.
Direct capital expenditure planning and execution for all facilities, ensuring investments in equipment and technology yield a strong ROI and support future capacity needs.
Establish and enforce world-class standards for workplace safety, environmental compliance, and product quality across the entire global network.
Develop and mentor plant leadership teams to ensure operational consistency, talent development, and succession planning.

End-to-End Supply Chain Management

Architect and manage a resilient, efficient, and cost-effective global supply chain, encompassing strategic sourcing, procurement, inventory management, logistics, and distribution.
Develop and maintain strong relationships with key global suppliers, negotiating favorable terms and mitigating risks associated with geopolitical, economic, and logistical disruptions.
Implement advanced Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) processes to improve forecasting accuracy, optimize inventory levels, and enhance customer service.
Oversee global logistics and trade compliance, ensuring the seamless and compliant movement of goods across international borders.

Financial Acumen & Performance Management

Assume full P&L responsibility for global operations, developing and managing multi-hundred-million-dollar operational budgets.
Rigorously analyze operational and financial data to identify trends, pinpoint inefficiencies, and drive data-informed decisions for cost reduction and margin improvement.
Lead initiatives to optimize working capital, particularly through effective inventory management and supplier payment strategies.

Requirements for the Chief Operating Officer with a Global Industrial Manufacturer – Pittsburgh, PA
We are seeking a world-class operational leader with the experience, intellect, and drive to excel in this demanding role. The successful candidate will possess the following qualifications:
Education
A Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or related), Business Administration, or Operations Management is required. An MBA or other relevant advanced degree is strongly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15-20 years of progressive leadership experience within a complex, global industrial manufacturing environment. At least 5-7 years of experience in a top-level senior executive role (e.g., COO, VP of Global Operations, General Manager) with full P&L and multi-site responsibility is essential.
Operational Expertise
Deep, hands-on expertise in modern manufacturing principles. Must be a certified or highly experienced practitioner of Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma (Black Belt or Master Black Belt preferred).
Global Mindset
Demonstrable experience managing a network of international manufacturing plants and navigating the complexities of a global supply chain is a firm requirement.
Financial Acumen
Sophisticated understanding of financial statements, budget management, and cost accounting. Proven ability to directly impact financial results through operational improvements.
Leadership Skills
Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire, motivate, and develop large, diverse, and geographically dispersed teams. A proven history of building high-performance cultures rooted in accountability and collaboration.
Strategic Vision
The ability to think strategically and holistically about the business, coupled with a relentless, hands-on focus on execution and detail.
Technical Aptitude
Strong familiarity with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle) and manufacturing technologies, including automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 concepts.
Communication
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills, with the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to a wide range of audiences, from the shop floor to the Board of Directors.
Location & Travel
Must be based in or willing to relocate to the Pittsburgh, PA area. The role requires the ability and willingness to undertake regular domestic and international travel (estimated 25-40%).
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent and offers a comprehensive and highly competitive compensation and benefits package, including:
Executive Compensation
A highly competitive base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus.
Long-Term Incentives
A substantial equity or long-term incentive plan (LTIP) designed to reward long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium, low-deductible medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your eligible dependents. A robust employee wellness program is also included.
Retirement Planning
A generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a strong company match, plus access to executive financial planning services.
Relocation
A comprehensive, executive-level relocation package is available for the selected candidate and their family.
Additional Perks
An executive car allowance, generous paid time off (PTO), paid company holidays, and a budget for continued professional development and executive coaching.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive retained search firm for this Chief Operating Officer position. All applications and inquiries will be handled with the strictest confidentiality. If you are a results-oriented, strategic operational leader with the qualifications and ambition to drive excellence at a global scale, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit our Industrial & Manufacturing practice area page.
Our client is an Equal Opportunity Employer. They are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce and welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.