Vice President of Manufacturing

Job Description

Job Description

We are expanding our commercial linear lighting business by bringing manufacturing capabilities in house for the first time. To lead this development, we are appointing a Vice President of Manufacturing who can establish and shape the entire operation.

This position offers the opportunity to create a manufacturing function without inherited systems, existing personnel, or established operating procedures. You will determine how production moves from our current contract manufacturing model into a combined structure that includes both internal production and external manufacturing partners.

From the beginning, you will define how our production, supply chain, inventory, purchasing, and quality functions should operate. You will also help determine the best operating structure for each product while ensuring that internal and outsourced manufacturing activities remain aligned.

Reporting directly to the President, you will hold an influential position within our senior leadership team. You will contribute to major operational decisions and have clear visibility across the wider business.

A significant part of the role will involve deciding which products should be produced internally and which should remain with contract manufacturers. You will also take ownership of the resulting manufacturing costs, margins, supplier relationships, and inventory requirements.

As the function develops, you will recruit the people needed across manufacturing, supply chain, and quality. This is therefore a genuine build opportunity for a leader who is motivated by creating an operation rather than managing an established one.

The position would suit an experienced, hands-on manufacturing executive who has previously led sizeable operations and now wants greater ownership. It offers the freedom to build from a blank page while working closely with the President and contributing directly at leadership level.

• Establish appropriate production measurements, including throughput, labour productivity, equipment utilisation, capacity, and lead-time performance.
  
• Take responsibility for the manufacturing budget and ensure that production facilities and equipment are correctly established and maintained.
  
• Direct production control, purchasing, process development, and quality systems across internal manufacturing and external production partners.
  
• Evaluate make-versus-buy options and manage COGS and margin expectations across the full product portfolio.
  
• Match manufacturing capacity with sales forecasts and ensure production remains able to meet required delivery timelines.
  

• Develop a dependable and commercially competitive supplier network through effective sourcing, procurement, materials planning, and negotiation.
  
• Create contingency plans that protect the operation against disruptions involving critical materials or suppliers.
  
• Design inventory and replenishment approaches that support production while limiting unnecessary investment and carrying costs.
  
• Monitor supplier performance and oversee incoming inspection and corrective action processes.
  

• Lead root cause investigations and CAPA activities while managing First-Pass Yield, Defect Rate, RMA Rate, COPQ, and Supplier Quality.
  
• Introduce improvements that strengthen product reliability and lower warranty-related expenses.
  
• Ensure finished products consistently satisfy engineering specifications, regulatory obligations, and internal quality expectations.
  

• Build and manage the manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams as the operation grows.
  
• Set functional priorities that support company objectives while working closely with Engineering, Sales, Product, and Finance.
  
• Carry full P&L accountability for the manufacturing function.
  

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
  
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience within manufacturing operations.
  
• A strong history of improving efficiency, reducing operating costs, and expanding production capabilities.
  
• Experience overseeing both company-owned manufacturing operations and outsourced or contract manufacturing relationships.
  
• Demonstrated P&L responsibility and experience managing complex supplier networks and supply chains.
  
• Practical knowledge of ERP systems, production planning, inventory control, and quality management systems.
  
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders throughout an organisation.
  
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25% of the time.
  
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment background, drug/alcohol, and driving record screening.
  

• Previous involvement in establishing a new manufacturing function or production facility from the ground floor.
  
• Experience within electronics or another light-manufacturing or assembly-based environment.
  
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or a recognised continuous improvement methodology.
  
• An MBA or comparable advanced business qualification.
  

Base Salary: $150,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with company match up to 4%
  
• Unlimited PTO
  
• 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

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