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# VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Automotive Supplier – Cleveland, OH


Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Automotive Supplier – Cleveland, OH
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a premier, Tier 1 automotive supplier in their search for a transformative Vice President of Manufacturing Operations. Based in the greater Cleveland, Ohio area, a historic hub of American manufacturing, this executive leadership role is a career-defining opportunity to steer the operational future of a multi-site, technologically advanced organization. Our client is a market leader, renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, supplying critical components to the world’s foremost automotive OEMs.
As the VP of Manufacturing Operations, you will be the principal architect of the company’s manufacturing strategy, reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer. You will hold ultimate responsibility for the safety, quality, delivery, and cost-efficiency of all production facilities. This is not merely a role of oversight; it is a hands-on, strategic position requiring a leader who can inspire a culture of continuous improvement, implement world-class manufacturing processes, and develop a high-performing team capable of meeting the rigorous demands of the automotive industry. You will be instrumental in driving profitability, scaling operations for future growth, and ensuring the organization remains a benchmark for operational excellence. We are seeking a visionary executive with a proven track record of leading complex manufacturing environments and a deep passion for building things better, faster, and smarter.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Automotive Supplier – Cleveland, OH
The Vice President of Manufacturing Operations will direct and manage the company’s entire production lifecycle with a focus on strategic growth and bottom-line performance. Key responsibilities include:
Strategic and Operational Leadership
Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year manufacturing strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Translate strategic goals into actionable operational plans, establishing clear KPIs for safety, quality, productivity, and delivery. Lead the operational management team across all plant locations, providing clear direction, mentorship, and accountability to foster a culture of excellence and data-driven decision-making.
Financial & P&L Management
Assume full P&L responsibility for all manufacturing operations. Develop and manage annual operating budgets, capital expenditure (CapEx) plans, and cost-control initiatives. Conduct rigorous financial analysis, variance reporting, and forecasting to ensure financial targets are met or exceeded. Drive initiatives to optimize asset utilization, reduce operational costs, and improve overall profitability.
Continuous Improvement & Lean Culture
Champion and embed a robust continuous improvement culture throughout the organization. Lead the deployment of Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other best practices (e.g., Kaizen, 5S, VSM, TPM). Drive measurable improvements in key operational metrics, including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), First Time Through (FTT), on-time delivery, and scrap reduction.
Quality Systems & Customer Satisfaction
Uphold and enhance the highest standards of product quality, ensuring strict adherence to IATF 16949 and other customer-specific requirements. Partner with the Quality Assurance team to implement robust quality control systems, root cause analysis, and corrective action processes. Serve as a key manufacturing liaison to major customers, ensuring the organization is responsive to their needs and consistently exceeds their expectations for quality and delivery.
Talent Development & Team Building
Attract, retain, and develop a world-class manufacturing leadership team. Implement effective performance management, succession planning, and training programs to build organizational capability. Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and engaging work environment that empowers employees at all levels to contribute to the company’s success. Provide strong leadership and guidance in a unionized environment, fostering positive labor relations.
Health, Safety, & Environmental (HSE) Compliance
Champion a zero-incident safety culture, ensuring the well-being of all employees is the top priority. Guarantee that all facilities operate in full compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other relevant federal, state, and local regulations. Lead initiatives to promote sustainability and reduce the company’s environmental footprint.
Supply Chain & Materials Management
Collaborate closely with the supply chain leadership to optimize the flow of materials, from procurement to production to delivery. Provide input into the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process to align manufacturing capacity with market demand. Drive improvements in inventory management, logistics, and supplier performance to ensure production continuity and efficiency.
New Product Introduction (NPI) & Technology Integration
Oversee the manufacturing aspects of new product launches, ensuring flawless execution from process design to full-scale production. Evaluate and champion the adoption of new technologies, including automation, robotics, and Industry 4.0 solutions, to enhance manufacturing capabilities, improve quality, and maintain a competitive advantage.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Automotive Supplier – Cleveland, OH
The ideal candidate is a seasoned and results-oriented manufacturing executive with extensive experience in the automotive sector. Specific qualifications include:
Education
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 7-10 years in a senior plant or multi-site operational leadership role (e.g., Director of Operations, VP of Manufacturing) within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 automotive supplier.
Technical Expertise
Demonstrated mastery of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma (Black Belt certification is a plus), and other continuous improvement tools. In-depth knowledge of automotive quality systems, particularly IATF 16949. Experience with various manufacturing processes such as metal stamping, CNC machining, welding, assembly, and/or injection molding is essential.
Financial Acumen
Proven experience managing a significant P&L and developing large-scale operational and capital budgets. Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex financial data to drive business decisions.
Leadership Competencies
Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence and build consensus at all levels of the organization, from the shop floor to the executive suite. A demonstrated ability to lead cultural transformation, build high-performing teams, and mentor future leaders. Experience managing in a union environment is highly desirable.
Strategic Mindset
Ability to think strategically and execute tactically. A track record of developing and implementing successful long-term operational strategies that have resulted in measurable improvements in performance and profitability.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a comprehensive and competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:

Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience.
Substantial annual performance-based bonus program.
Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP), including equity or stock options.
Comprehensive health and wellness benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
Generous 401(k) retirement savings plan with a strong company match.
Executive-level paid time off (PTO) and paid company holidays.
Full relocation assistance package for the successful candidate and their family.
Company vehicle allowance and other executive perquisites.
A dynamic and collaborative work environment with significant opportunities for professional growth and impact.

How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. If you are a visionary manufacturing leader with the experience and drive to excel in this critical role, we encourage you to apply. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and accomplishments.
For more information on similar opportunities or to learn about our executive search capabilities in this sector, please visit JRG Partners’ Manufacturing & Industrial Practice.