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 pivotal opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic and growing organization. Our client is a market leader known for its innovation, quality, and commitment to excellence, supplying critical components to major OEMs worldwide. This is not merely an operational role; it is a strategic position designed for a leader who can architect and execute a world-class manufacturing strategy that drives profitability, safety, and unparalleled quality in a highly competitive global market.

The VP of Manufacturing Operations will assume full responsibility for the leadership, direction, and performance of all manufacturing activities across multiple plant locations. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will be a key member of the executive team, contributing to the overall strategic direction of the company. You will be tasked with fostering a culture of continuous improvement, operational excellence, and employee empowerment. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a deep understanding of modern manufacturing principles, a relentless drive for results, and the ability to inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals. You will be the driving force behind optimizing production processes, integrating new technologies, managing complex supply chains, and ensuring that every product leaving the facility meets the most stringent automotive industry standards. Your leadership will directly impact the company’s bottom line, its reputation for quality, and its ability to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the automotive sector, including the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and advanced mobility solutions.

This role demands a balance of high-level strategic thinking and hands-on operational guidance. You will be responsible for translating the company’s long-term vision into tangible, daily operational plans and key performance indicators (KPIs). Success in this position means building a resilient, agile, and cost-effective manufacturing footprint that can adapt to fluctuating market demands while consistently delivering exceptional value to customers. If you are a seasoned manufacturing executive with a proven track record of success in the automotive industry, we invite you to explore this career-defining opportunity.

Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Automotive Supplier – Cleveland, OH

The VP of Manufacturing Operations will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:

Strategic Leadership & Execution

Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive manufacturing strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives. Drive long-range planning for capacity, capital investment, and technology adoption to support growth and maintain a competitive edge.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

Champion and embed a robust continuous improvement culture across all facilities. Lead the implementation and refinement of Lean Manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and other operational excellence tools to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve quality. Establish, monitor, and drive improvement on key performance indicators (KPIs) such as Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), First Time Through (FTT), on-time delivery, and cost per unit.

Financial & Budgetary Management

Assume full P&L responsibility for all manufacturing operations. Develop and manage annual operating budgets, capital expenditure (CapEx) plans, and cost-reduction initiatives. Conduct rigorous financial analysis to identify trends, opportunities, and risks, ensuring all operations meet or exceed financial targets.

Quality & Safety Leadership

Uphold and enforce the highest standards of quality and safety. Ensure all manufacturing sites are compliant with IATF 16949, ISO standards, and all relevant environmental and OSHA regulations. Champion a proactive, zero-incident safety culture through training, communication, and accountability.

Team Leadership & Talent Development

Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Plant Managers and operational leaders. Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and employee engagement. Implement effective talent management strategies, including succession planning, performance management, and professional development programs to build a strong leadership pipeline.

Supply Chain & Materials Management

Collaborate closely with the supply chain organization to ensure the seamless flow of materials, optimize inventory levels (raw materials, WIP, finished goods), and mitigate supply chain risks. Drive initiatives to improve supplier performance and reduce total cost of ownership.

Technology & Innovation

Evaluate and champion the adoption of new manufacturing technologies, including automation, robotics, IoT, and Industry 4.0 solutions, to improve efficiency, quality, and data-driven decision-making.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Serve as a key partner to other executive leaders in Engineering, R&D, Sales, Finance, and Human Resources. Ensure tight alignment between manufacturing capabilities and new product introductions, customer demand, and financial objectives.

Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Automotive Supplier – Cleveland, OH

We are seeking a distinguished leader with a deep and comprehensive background in automotive manufacturing. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications and attributes:

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.

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 within the automotive (Tier 1 or Tier 2 supplier) industry is mandatory.

Operational Excellence Expertise

Demonstrated mastery of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, with a proven track record of leading successful transformations that resulted in significant improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Certification as a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt is highly desirable.

Financial Acumen

Extensive experience with P&L management, operational budgeting, capital planning, and financial analysis. Must be able to translate operational improvements into financial results.

Automotive Quality Systems

In-depth knowledge of and experience with automotive industry quality standards, particularly IATF 16949.

Leadership Skills

Exceptional leadership presence with the ability to inspire, influence, and motivate teams at all levels of the organization. A proven change agent who can drive cultural transformation and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.

Strategic Mindset

Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. The ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and develop effective, data-driven solutions.

Communication Skills

Superior verbal, written, and presentation skills. Must be able to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to the executive team, board members, customers, and plant floor associates.

Technical Proficiency

Proficient with modern ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle), Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and business intelligence tools.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client offers a highly competitive and comprehensive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:

Competitive Executive Salary

A compelling base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.

Performance-Based Bonus

A significant annual incentive bonus plan tied to company and individual performance goals.

Long-Term Incentives

Participation in an executive equity or long-term incentive plan (LTIP) to share in the long-term success of the company.

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

A full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your family.

Retirement Savings

A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

Paid Time Off

A generous vacation, holiday, and paid sick leave policy.

Executive Perks

A company vehicle or vehicle allowance, and other perquisites typical for a role at this level.

Relocation Assistance

A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.

Professional Development

A commitment to your ongoing growth with support for executive coaching, industry conferences, and further education.

How to Apply

JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this critical leadership position. If you are a visionary manufacturing leader with the experience and drive to lead a world-class automotive operation, we encourage you to apply.

To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and accomplishments. We are committed to a confidential and thorough review of all applications. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly by a JRG Partners executive recruiter to discuss the role in greater detail.

JRG Partners is a leader in executive recruitment. To learn more about our firm and our specialized focus, please explore our expertise in the Industrial & Manufacturing sector. We look forward to connecting with you.

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.