Role Overview for VP of Manufacturing Strategy – Chicago, IL
JRG Partners is proud to partner with a globally recognized, multi-billion dollar leader in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry. Our client is renowned for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability, with a portfolio of iconic brands that are staples in households worldwide. As they embark on a significant phase of strategic transformation, they are seeking a visionary and results-driven Vice President of Manufacturing Strategy to be based at their key operational hub in Chicago, IL.
This is not merely an operational role; it is a pivotal executive position tasked with architecting the future of the company’s global manufacturing landscape. The VP of Manufacturing Strategy will be the central force behind developing and executing a long-range strategy that enhances operational efficiency, leverages cutting-edge technology, and builds a resilient, agile, and cost-effective global production network. You will be responsible for analyzing current manufacturing capabilities, identifying opportunities for transformational change, and leading initiatives that will define the company’s competitive edge for the next decade and beyond.
This role requires a unique blend of strategic foresight, deep operational expertise, financial acumen, and inspirational leadership. You will work closely with the C-suite and other senior leaders across supply chain, R&D, finance, and commercial teams to ensure that the manufacturing strategy is perfectly aligned with the broader corporate objectives and market demands. If you are a transformative leader passionate about building world-class manufacturing operations, this is a career-defining opportunity to make a lasting impact on a global scale.
Key Responsibilities of VP of Manufacturing Strategy – Chicago, IL
The Vice President of Manufacturing Strategy will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, focusing on the long-term health and strategic positioning of the company’s manufacturing assets. Success in this role will be measured by improvements in key metrics such as operational equipment effectiveness (OEE), cost per unit, safety, quality, and supply chain agility.
Strategic Planning & Global Network Design
- Develop, articulate, and implement a comprehensive, multi-year manufacturing strategy that supports the company’s long-term growth objectives, market expansion, and profitability targets.
- Conduct in-depth analysis of the existing global manufacturing footprint, assessing plant capacities, capabilities, costs, and geographic positioning to identify opportunities for optimization, consolidation, or expansion.
- Lead network modeling and simulation projects to determine the most effective and efficient production and distribution network for the future.
- Collaborate with corporate development teams to perform due diligence on manufacturing operations for potential mergers, acquisitions, and strategic partnerships.
- Create and maintain a strategic technology roadmap, identifying and championing the adoption of next-generation manufacturing technologies (Industry 4.0).
Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement
- Champion a culture of continuous improvement across the entire manufacturing organization, acting as the executive sponsor for Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and other operational excellence initiatives.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and operational metrics for all manufacturing sites, ensuring consistency, transparency, and accountability.
- Drive the standardization of best practices in production, maintenance, quality control, and safety across the global network.
- Lead initiatives to significantly reduce waste, minimize production costs, and improve product quality and lead times through the rigorous application of world-class continuous improvement methodologies.
Technology, Automation & Digital Transformation
- Evaluate and champion investments in automation, robotics, IoT, data analytics, and artificial intelligence to create ‘smart factories’ that are more efficient, agile, and predictive.
- Oversee the strategic implementation of Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to ensure seamless data integration and real-time visibility into operations.
- Partner with IT and Engineering leaders to develop a robust data analytics strategy that turns operational data into actionable insights for process optimization and strategic decision-making.
Capital Planning & Financial Management
- Develop and manage the long-range capital investment plan for the global manufacturing network, ensuring that all investments are strategically aligned and deliver a strong return on investment (ROI).
- Create compelling business cases for major capital projects, including new facilities, capacity expansions, and technology upgrades, and present them for executive and board-level approval.
- Oversee the manufacturing division’s strategic budget, working with plant and regional leaders to ensure financial discipline and achievement of cost-saving targets.
- Provide critical financial analysis and insights related to manufacturing performance, including variance analysis, make-vs-buy decisions, and product costing.
Leadership & Organizational Development
- Lead and mentor a high-performing team of strategy and operations professionals, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability.
- Partner with Human Resources to develop talent management and succession plans for critical manufacturing leadership roles across the organization.
- Champion a world-class safety culture, with the ultimate goal of zero workplace incidents.
- Act as a key change agent within the organization, effectively communicating the manufacturing strategy and inspiring buy-in from stakeholders at all levels.
Requirements for the VP of Manufacturing Strategy – Chicago, IL
We are seeking a seasoned and sophisticated executive with a proven track record of strategic leadership and transformational success within a complex, global manufacturing environment.
Required Qualifications
Education
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering (Mechanical, Industrial, or a related field), Supply Chain Management, or Business Administration.
Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership role (Director, VP) with multi-site, international responsibilities.
Industry Background
Significant experience within the CPG, food & beverage, pharmaceuticals, or another high-volume, fast-paced regulated manufacturing industry is essential.
Strategic Acumen
Demonstrated ability to develop and execute complex, long-term manufacturing strategies that have resulted in measurable improvements in cost, quality, and efficiency.
Financial Expertise
Strong command of financial principles, including P&L management, budgeting, capital planning, and ROI analysis. Experience building and presenting multi-million dollar business cases is required.
Operational Excellence
Deep, hands-on knowledge and a track record of successfully implementing Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma principles on a large scale. Black Belt or Master Black Belt certification is highly desirable.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced Degree
An MBA or a Master’s degree in a relevant technical or business field is strongly preferred.
Industry 4.0
Verifiable experience leading digital transformation initiatives and implementing advanced manufacturing technologies (e.g., automation, IoT, data analytics).
Global Experience
Extensive experience managing manufacturing operations across different continents and cultures, with a nuanced understanding of global supply chain dynamics.
Change Management
Proven ability to lead large-scale organizational change, overcome resistance, and build consensus among diverse stakeholder groups.
Communication Skills
Exceptional executive presence and communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex strategies clearly and persuasively to C-suite executives, board members, and plant-floor employees alike.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package designed to attract and retain top-tier talent. This includes:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual performance-based bonus opportunity tied to both company and individual results.
Long-Term Incentives
Participation in the company’s equity program (e.g., stock options, restricted stock units) to reward long-term value creation.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness
Premium medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage for you and your eligible dependents. Includes access to wellness programs, mental health resources, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.
Paid Time Off
A generous vacation, holiday, and sick leave policy to support a healthy work-life balance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the successful candidate and their family.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuing education, executive coaching, conference attendance, and professional certifications.
Other Perks
Life insurance, disability coverage, and access to various employee discount programs.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is exclusively managing the search for this critical Vice President of Manufacturing Strategy role. We are looking for a leader who is ready to take on a challenging and rewarding position that will shape the future of a global industry leader.
If your experience and aspirations align with the responsibilities and requirements outlined above, we encourage you to submit your application. To be considered, please apply through our dedicated portal. For more information about our expertise in this sector, 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 employment decisions are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
