Vice President of Manufacturing

A growing commercial linear lighting company is building its first in-house production operation and is hiring a Vice President of Manufacturing to lead it. This is a true ground-floor build: there is no existing team, no legacy processes, and no established playbook to inherit. You will be a key player in deciding how to transition manufacturing operations in house from existing contract manufacturers, how production, supply chain, inventory, and quality operate from day one, working across both in-house production and contract manufacturing partners, and you will report directly to the President as part of the senior leadership team. The scope is broad by design. You will be a key decision maker on which products get built in-house versus outsourced, own the cost and margin targets that follow from those decisions, and build/maintain the supplier relationships and inventory systems that keep production running on time. As the operation matures, you will also be the one hiring and shaping the team underneath you, so this is a role for someone who wants to build a function, not just run one that already exists. This is best suited to a hands-on operator who has led manufacturing at scale before but wants the autonomy of starting from a blank page, with direct visibility to the President and a real seat at the leadership table. Manufacturing Operations Own production control, process development, quality systems, and purchasing, in-house and with contract manufacturing partners Lead make-versus-buy decisions and own COGS/margin targets across all product lines Align capacity with sales forecasts, meet lead times, and build out production metrics (throughput, labor productivity, equipment utilization) Own the manufacturing budget and ensure facilities/equipment are properly built and maintained Supply Chain Lead sourcing, procurement, and materials planning to build and negotiate a reliable, cost-competitive supplier network Develop inventory strategies that minimize investment and carrying cost, including material replenishment Manage supplier performance, incoming inspection, and corrective action programs Identify and mitigate supply chain risk with contingency planning for critical materials Quality Ensure products meet engineering specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards Own root cause/CAPA processes and key quality metrics (First-Pass Yield, Defect Rate, RMA Rate, COPQ, Supplier Quality) Drive initiatives that reduce warranty cost and improve product reliability Leadership Build and lead the manufacturing, supply chain, and quality team from the ground up Hold P&L accountability for the manufacturing function Set departmental goals aligned to company strategy while partnering cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Product, and Finance Requirements Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience Experience leading both internal manufacturing operations and outsourced/contract manufacturing Demonstrated P&L management and success handling complex supply chains and supplier relationships Proven track record improving efficiency, reducing costs, and scaling operations Experience with ERP systems, production planning, inventory management, and quality management systems Strong communicator, able to influence and negotiate at all organizational levels Must be able to pass pre-employment screening, including background, drug/alcohol, and driving record checks Willing and able to travel approximately 25% of the time Preferred Qualifications MBA or equivalent advanced business education Background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or formal continuous improvement methodology Prior experience standing up a new manufacturing facility or function from the ground floor Experience in electronics or a related light-manufacturing/assembly industry Benefits Package Base Salary: $150,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits: Unlimited PTO 401(k) with company match up to 4% Medical, dental, and vision, with 50% of premium covered by the company. Haldren is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Haldren emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes. To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit US Recruitment Agency, Executive Search & Talent Solutions Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Haldren and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. 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