Operations Manager

Site Level Operations Manager (Relocation to Vermont On-Site Role)

We are partnering with a well-established manufacturing organization to identify a Site Level Operations Manager with a potential path to General Manager or Director of Operations.

This is a fully on-site leadership role overseeing a ~300-employee manufacturing operation with full P&L responsibility (~$100M+). The position is open due to a planned retirement and is designed as a succession opportunity.
We are looking for leaders who develop people, embody a Lean leadership style, and have experience in custom, make-to-order, or contract manufacturing environments.

The Role
You will act as a key operational leader and deputy to the General Manager, with responsibility across:

• Production
• Quality
• Supply Chain
• Engineering
• Maintenance

This is a hands-on, visible leadership role requiring strong floor presence, operational discipline, and the ability to lead through others.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Operations Leadership

• Drive execution of site strategy and operational performance
• Align cross-functional teams with business objectives and customer commitments

Performance & Financial Ownership

• Own KPIs across safety, quality, delivery, and cost
• Lead labor planning, budgeting, and cost optimization initiatives
• Partner with senior leadership on capital planning and margin improvement

Operational Excellence

• Champion Lean Six Sigma and continuous improvement initiatives
• Implement structured operating systems (daily management, KPI cadence, accountability)

Talent & Succession Development

• Build and develop leadership bench strength across departments
• Establish succession pipelines for critical roles
• Foster a culture of accountability and growth

Safety, Quality & Compliance

• Ensure strong EHS performance and regulatory compliance
• Reinforce a zero-incident, zero-defect culture

Community Engagement

• Act as a visible leader in the local community
• Build relationships with workforce, education, and regional partners

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
• Proven success leading multi-department, 24/7 operations
• Background in make-to-order or engineered-to-order environments
• Strong Lean Six Sigma experience (Black Belt preferred)
• Financial acumen across labor, budgets, and cost management
• Track record of developing leaders and driving organizational change
• Executive presence with the ability to grow into a higher level role

Location & Relocation

• This role is based in Vermont and requires relocation.
• Relocation assistance is provided.

This is an opportunity to lead a significant operation while living in a region known for:

• Access to land, space, and the outdoors
• Strong local communities and long-term roots
• A lifestyle that supports balance and stability

Why This Role

• Growth Path
• High visibility and impact at the site level
• Stable organization with long-term focus
• Opportunity to lead both the business and the people side of the operation

You'll have the ability to build a meaningful career while living in the Green Mountains, with space, land, and year-round outdoor recreation close to home.

BrainWorks is a trusted leader in executive search, specializing in delivering top-tier talent to drive innovation and operational excellence in the advanced manufacturing and medical devices sectors.


We leverage decades of industry knowledge, a vast network of top talent, and a proven process to provide quality, speed, and results in every search. Partner with BrainWorks to secure the exceptional talent your organization needs. Learn more at brainworksinc.com.


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