Vice President Operations

Our client is a US-based company and a wholly owned subsidiary of a large European entity designed to serve customers across North America. They sell and support detector products, as well as additional infrared and night-vision products developed by the US entity and specifically designed for the U.S. market.

With US headquarters in Fairfield, New Jersey, the company houses a small team comprising engineering, operations, and sales personnel. This position reports to the Chief Commercial & Business Development Officer.

Overview

The VP of Operations is a senior executive responsible for maximizing operational efficiency, profitability, and scalability.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the VP of Operations will play a central role in shaping the future growth, operational excellence and long-term success of the US entity.

The VP of Operations maintains operations inclusive of production, machining, planning, purchasing, inventory, shipping, receiving, quality, IT, costing, service, and facilities to attain budgeted targets and goals. The role translates high level strategic planning into everyday practical execution, managing budgets, supply chains, and cross-functional teams to build scalable operations capable of supporting accelerated growth.

Key Responsibilities

Below is a non-exhaustive list of primary tasks and areas that are required to be performed either personally or through subordinates:

• Lead the Operations organization to support the rapid growth of the US entity.

• Build, coach and develop a high-performing Operations team.

• Oversee logistics, procurement, and facilities management to maintain a safe, reliable, and cost-effective operation.

• Oversee departmental budgets, forecast growth, and optimize operational margins.

• Maintain monthly reports on actual revenue, bookings, backlog, and gross margins vs. targeted objectives.

• Perform cost accounting on all products/projects inclusive of material & labor, as well as cost estimating on projects and/or future products.

• Maintain weekly/monthly shipment updates – Actual vs. Budget and monthly projections.

• Ensure company’s global shipments and technology transfers follow international laws such as ITAR, EAR, and OFAC.

• Act as the Administrator of the company’s MRP System, inclusive of creating, structuring, and maintaining Bills of Materials and Part Numbers.

• Ensure adherence to state and federal regulations, workplace safety programs, and industry standards.

• Maintain the Quality Management System and Certification with respect to ISO9001-2015 scope of registration.

• Maintain an electronic filling of all SEDs and EEIs through AES in shipping, to follow Federal and State Regulations.

• Interface with third-party IT Consulting Firm to ensure IT systems meet the growing needs of the company.

• Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.

• Inspire collaboration across Operations, Engineering, Sales and Finance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, engineering, operations management, or a related field.

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in operations management and team management.

• Deep knowledge of manufacturing, distribution and import/export processes.

• Experience with inventory optimization and S&OP management.

• Experience with Product Lifecycle Management in an industrial environment.

• Strong capability in sourcing strategies and negotiating with suppliers for raw materials.

• Strict adherence to ITAR and EAR regulations.

• Proven ability to manage budgets, drive KPIs (such Gross Margin, Supplier Performance, Customer Satisfaction, etc.) and to drive strategic capital allocations.

• Solid technical aptitude and ability to understand technical issues.

• Proficiency in utilizing ISO standards within the company’s Quality Management framework.

• Experience implementing LEAN initiatives and/or operational excellence would be a strong plus.

• Proficiency in Excel, and modern MRP and CRM/ERP systems.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to translate corporate vision into day-to-day execution.

Compensation and Benefits

• Base salary plus bonus compensation

• Paid Time Off plus Holiday Pay

• Comprehensive Health, Vision and Dental Benefits

• 401(k) plan with company match

• On-Site Work Schedule (5 days a week in Fairfield, NJ)