Role Overview for VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Electronics Firm – Toledo, OH
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a pioneering force in the electronics industry, a company renowned for its innovation, quality, and market leadership. Based in Toledo, OH, our client is at the forefront of technological advancement, producing complex electronic components and systems that power the future. Amid a period of significant growth and strategic expansion, they are seeking a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Manufacturing Operations to join their executive leadership team. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a dynamic, forward-thinking organization.
The VP of Manufacturing Operations will be a key architect of the company’s future success, responsible for providing the strategic direction, leadership, and hands-on management for all aspects of the manufacturing lifecycle. Reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, this executive will oversee a multi-site operational footprint, ensuring the highest standards of safety, quality, productivity, and efficiency.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned manufacturing leader with a deep understanding of the electronics sector, a passion for continuous improvement, and a proven ability to build and inspire high-performing teams. You will be tasked with transforming the manufacturing function into a scalable, world-class operation that serves as a distinct competitive advantage, enabling the company to meet aggressive growth targets and exceed customer expectations in a fast-paced global market.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Electronics Firm – Toledo, OH
The VP of Manufacturing Operations will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic planning, operational execution, team development, and financial stewardship. Success in this role requires a blend of high-level strategic thinking and granular, on-the-floor operational expertise.
Strategic Leadership and Planning
- Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, multi-year manufacturing strategy that aligns with the company’s overall business objectives and growth trajectory.
- Collaborate closely with the executive team, including R&D, Sales, and Finance, to ensure seamless new product introduction (NPI) and effective lifecycle management.
- Lead long-range capacity planning, technology roadmap development, and network optimization to support future growth and technological shifts.
- Champion and justify significant capital expenditure (CapEx) projects, building robust business cases for investments in automation, new equipment, and facility expansions.
Operational Excellence and Continuous Improvement
- Instill and cultivate a pervasive culture of continuous improvement, rigorously applying methodologies like Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Kaizen to eliminate waste and enhance value.
- Establish, monitor, and drive improvement across a balanced scorecard of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), including Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), First Pass Yield (FPY), cost per unit, on-time delivery, and safety metrics (LTIR).
- Spearhead initiatives to optimize production workflows, material flow, and plant layouts for maximum efficiency and throughput.
- Evaluate and implement advanced manufacturing technologies, including robotics, IoT, and data analytics (Industry 4.0), to create ‘smart factory’ environments.
Team Leadership and Talent Development
- Lead, mentor, and develop a high-caliber team of Plant Managers, Operations Directors, and support staff, fostering an environment of accountability, collaboration, and professional growth.
- Champion a ‘safety-first’ culture, ensuring all operations adhere to the highest standards of workplace safety and employee well-being.
- Implement robust talent management processes, including performance management, succession planning, and leadership development programs to build a strong operational leadership pipeline.
- Communicate a clear vision and set ambitious objectives for the entire manufacturing organization, ensuring alignment from the executive suite to the shop floor.
Financial Management and Budgetary Control
- Assume full P&L responsibility for all manufacturing operations, developing and managing the annual budget, operational forecasts, and cost models.
- Rigorously analyze financial and operational data to identify trends, pinpoint variances, and implement timely corrective actions to achieve financial targets.
- Drive aggressive cost reduction and productivity improvement initiatives that positively impact the bottom line without compromising on quality, safety, or customer satisfaction.
- Oversee inventory management strategies to optimize turns, minimize carrying costs, and ensure material availability while mitigating obsolescence risks.
Quality Assurance and Regulatory Compliance
- Uphold an unwavering commitment to quality, ensuring all products consistently meet or exceed stringent internal standards and customer specifications (e.g., ISO 9001).
- Provide executive oversight for the Quality Management System (QMS), driving a proactive, preventative approach to quality control and assurance.
- Guarantee full compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations pertaining to environmental, health, and safety (EHS).
- Act as the primary operational liaison with regulatory bodies and key customers during audits, inspections, and quality reviews.
Requirements for the VP, Manufacturing Operations with an Electronics Firm – Toledo, OH
We are seeking an accomplished and dynamic leader whose experience and skillset align with the strategic demands of this critical role. The ideal candidate will possess a deep technical foundation complemented by exceptional business acumen and leadership capabilities.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a technical field such as Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Operations Management.
- A minimum of 15 years of progressive leadership experience within a complex, high-tech manufacturing environment.
- At least 7-10 years of experience in a senior plant or multi-site operational leadership role (e.g., Director of Operations, Plant Manager) specifically within the electronics manufacturing industry (e.g., printed circuit board assembly (PCBA), semiconductor, or complex electronic systems).
- Demonstrable and extensive track record of successfully implementing and sustaining Lean and/or Six Sigma principles, resulting in quantifiable improvements in cost, quality, and delivery.
- Strong financial and business acumen, with proven experience managing a significant P&L, developing complex budgets, and leading CapEx planning and execution.
- In-depth knowledge of modern manufacturing processes, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (SAP or Oracle preferred), and Quality Management Systems (QMS).
- Exceptional leadership skills with the proven ability to recruit, develop, and motivate a large, diverse team.
Preferred Qualifications
- An advanced degree, such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or a Master of Science in Engineering or Management.
- Professional certifications such as a Six Sigma Black Belt or Master Black Belt, or a Lean Expert certification.
- Experience with high-volume, high-mix electronics assembly, including Surface-Mount Technology (SMT) and through-hole processes.
- Experience managing international operations or a global supply chain.
- Prior experience leading operations through periods of rapid growth, M&A integration, or significant organizational change.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier executive talent by offering a highly competitive and comprehensive compensation and benefits package. This includes:
Competitive Executive Compensation
A lucrative base salary complemented by a significant annual performance-based bonus plan.
Long-Term Incentive Program
Meaningful equity participation through stock options or restricted stock units (RSUs), aligning your success with the company’s long-term growth.
Comprehensive Health and Wellness
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans for you and your dependents.
Retirement Savings
A generous 401(k) plan with a strong company matching contribution.
Generous Time Off
A substantial Paid Time Off (PTO) policy, supplemented by numerous company-paid holidays.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for qualified candidates and their families.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for executive coaching, continuing education, and industry conferences to support your ongoing growth.
Additional Benefits
Company-paid life insurance, short-term and long-term disability coverage, and access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
How to Apply
If you are a transformational manufacturing leader ready to make a significant impact on a growing, innovative electronics company, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity. JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. To be considered, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your relevant experience and leadership philosophy.
To learn more about our expertise in placing top-tier executives, please visit our Manufacturing & Operations Practice Area page.
JRG Partners and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All applications will be treated with the strictest confidence.
