Vice President of Manufacturing (Automotive)

Our client is a leading precision metal component manufacturer serving the automotive and industrial sectors. Operating multiple advanced manufacturing facilities across the United States, they specialize in high-volume production using advanced metal forming and stamping technologies. They supply critical components to tier-one automotive suppliers and industrial OEMs.

The Role

We are recruiting a Vice President of Manufacturing to lead manufacturing operations for a multi-facility U.S. operation. Reporting directly to the President, this role has responsibility for all manufacturing and quality departments at the primary facility and oversight of operations at additional locations. This is a high-impact position with significant visibility throughout the organization and the opportunity to shape operational strategy during a period of growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing and quality departments, ensuring optimal performance across production facilities
• Manage comprehensive capital and operational budgets with focus on balancing growth investments with financial discipline
• Establish manufacturing goals, performance metrics, and quality expectations
• Oversee staff recruitment and ensure proper staffing levels across all functional areas
• Maintain direct customer relationships regarding production capabilities, delivery schedules, and quality standards
• Implement and monitor continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs and enhance efficiency
• Drive adoption of industry quality management systems (IATF, ISO TS 16949, ISO 14001)
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and safety regulations across all operations
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and participate in strategic planning with the executive team
• Monitor production performance data and identify improvement opportunities

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

• 15 years of manufacturing experience, with at least 10 years in management or supervisory roles
• Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing operations in automotive or precision metal processing industries
• Strong background with metal stamping, forming, or similar high-volume production processes
• Proficiency with lean manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement frameworks (5S, Kaizen, etc.)
• Experience managing quality systems and regulatory compliance (IATF, TS 16949 preferred)
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams
• Strong communication skills and collaborative leadership approach
• Experience managing P&L and capital budgets
• Travel: Approximately 10% per month (primarily to other company facilities)

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in Business or Engineering
• Experience managing multi-facility operations
• Background with tool design or manufacturing process optimization
• Exposure to global manufacturing environments
• Experience navigating supply chain challenges in automotive manufacturing

• Base Salary: $200,000 - $235,000

• Performance Bonus
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

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• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.