Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, Tier-1 aerospace and defense supplier in their search for a transformative Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. Based in the dynamic aerospace hub of Orlando, Florida, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to steer the manufacturing strategy of a multi-site, high-growth organization. Our client is a market leader, renowned for producing complex, mission-critical components and systems for the world’s leading commercial and military aircraft platforms. They are at the forefront of innovation, quality, and performance in a demanding and rapidly evolving industry.
As the VP of Manufacturing Operations, you will be the principal architect of the company’s production capabilities. You will hold ultimate responsibility for the safety, quality, delivery, and cost-efficiency of all manufacturing activities across the enterprise. This is not merely a managerial role; it is a strategic position requiring a visionary leader who can inspire a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and unwavering commitment to quality.
You will be a key member of the executive leadership team, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, and will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s long-term strategic direction and operational footprint. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s ability to meet aggressive growth targets, exceed customer expectations, and maintain its competitive edge in the global aerospace market. We are seeking a leader who can balance strategic, long-range planning with hands-on, tactical execution, driving tangible results and fostering a high-performance environment where teams are empowered to succeed.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
The VP of Manufacturing Operations will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic leadership, tactical execution, and team development. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in key performance indicators across safety, quality, delivery, inventory, and productivity.
Strategic Manufacturing Leadership
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Lead long-range capacity planning, capital investment analysis, and technology roadmap development to ensure the organization is prepared for future growth and technological shifts.
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
Champion and embed a robust continuous improvement culture throughout all manufacturing sites. Drive the rigorous application of Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other operational excellence tools to eliminate waste, improve process flow, and enhance productivity. You will be expected to lead Kaizen events, value stream mapping projects, and other initiatives that deliver measurable improvements in SQDC (Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost) metrics.
Production and Plant Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for all manufacturing operations. Oversee day-to-day production activities to ensure that production schedules are met and that products meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Implement and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track progress and drive accountability at all levels of the manufacturing organization.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
Uphold and enhance the company’s commitment to world-class quality. Ensure all manufacturing processes and products strictly adhere to the rigorous standards of the aerospace industry, including AS9100, as well as all relevant FAA, ITAR, and customer-specific requirements. Foster a ‘zero-defect’ mindset and lead root cause analysis and corrective action initiatives.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
Lead, mentor, and develop a large, multi-site team of manufacturing professionals, including Plant Managers, Operations Directors, and support staff. Cultivate a culture of accountability, collaboration, and employee engagement. Implement effective talent management strategies, including succession planning, training programs, and performance management systems to build a world-class manufacturing team.
Financial Management and Budgetary Control
Develop and manage the annual manufacturing budget, including capital expenditures, operational expenses, and staffing plans. Drive cost reduction initiatives and productivity improvements to enhance profitability and achieve financial targets. Provide regular, detailed reports on operational performance to the executive team.
Supply Chain Collaboration
Work in close partnership with the Vice President of Supply Chain to optimize material flow, reduce inventory levels, and ensure the timely availability of components and raw materials. Contribute to supplier performance management and strategic sourcing decisions to mitigate risk and improve cost-effectiveness.
Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE)
Champion a proactive, world-class safety culture. Ensure all facilities and operations comply with or exceed all local, state, and federal safety and environmental regulations. Drive initiatives to achieve a zero-incident workplace and promote employee well-being.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Aerospace Supplier – Orlando, FL
The ideal candidate is a seasoned and proven manufacturing executive with a deep understanding of the aerospace industry’s complexities and a track record of driving significant operational improvements.
Educational Background
A Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Operations Management, 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 in a manufacturing environment, with at least 7 years in a senior, multi-site leadership role (e.g., Director of Operations, VP of Manufacturing) with full P&L responsibility.
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable and significant experience within the aerospace and defense manufacturing sector is mandatory. A strong background in complex CNC machining, precision assembly, fabrication, and special processes (e.g., heat treating, chemical processing) is essential.
Lean/Six Sigma Mastery
Certified Lean Expert or Six Sigma Black Belt is highly desirable. Must possess a proven track record of successfully implementing and sustaining large-scale continuous improvement transformations that have resulted in quantifiable improvements in operational and financial performance.
Regulatory Acumen
Deep, practical knowledge of aerospace quality management systems (AS9100), FAA regulations, and compliance frameworks such as ITAR and EAR. Experience successfully hosting and navigating customer and regulatory audits.
Leadership Qualities
Exceptional strategic thinking capabilities combined with a hands-on, results-oriented approach. A data-driven decision-maker with outstanding analytical and problem-solving skills. Must be a servant leader with a proven ability to inspire, motivate, and develop large, diverse teams.
Business and Financial Acumen
Strong command of financial principles and experience managing complex budgets, capital projects, and cost-control initiatives. Must be able to translate operational improvements into financial results.
Communication Skills
Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills. The ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a wide range of audiences, from the shop floor to the executive boardroom and key customers.
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:
- Highly competitive executive base salary.
- Aggressive annual performance-based bonus program.
- Meaningful long-term incentive plan (equity/stock options).
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance for you and your dependents.
- A robust 401(k) retirement savings plan with a generous company match.
- Substantial paid time off (PTO), vacation, and paid holidays.
- Executive-level relocation assistance package for qualified candidates.
- Support for professional development, continuing education, and industry association memberships.
- The opportunity to make a lasting impact on a growing, industry-leading organization.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained to manage this critical search. If you are a visionary manufacturing leader with the experience and passion to drive excellence in the aerospace industry, we encourage you to apply.
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and accomplishments. Qualified candidates will be contacted by a JRG Partners recruiter for a confidential discussion. For more information about our expertise in this sector, please visit the JRG Partners’ Industrial & Manufacturing Practice Area page.
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, disability, or veteran status.
