Vice President Manufacturing Operations (A&D)

Job Description

Job Description

About Our Client

Our client is a global leader in precision-engineered components and systems serving the aerospace, defense, and advanced industrial sectors. With a longstanding heritage of manufacturing excellence, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation.

Privately held and values-driven, the organization operates multiple manufacturing and engineering facilities worldwide, supporting leading OEMs and tier-one suppliers on some of the industry’s most advanced programs. Known for operational discipline and long-term partnerships, it combines the stability of a mature enterprise with the agility of a modern, high-growth manufacturer.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Vice President- Manufacturing Operations to join the leadership team and assume responsibility for multiple operating divisions within the company’s aerospace and defense portfolio.

This position offers exceptional growth potential for an accomplished manufacturing executive with a proven record of leading complex, multi-site operations. This is an onsite role with regular travel required between manufacturing sites.

Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership

• Full P&L accountability for assigned business units, ensuring financial performance, cost efficiency, and margin optimization
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing sites
• Lead initiatives in production performance, supply chain management, and process optimization
• Ensure compliance with industry quality standards and regulatory requirements

Strategic Growth

• Develop and execute business strategies that align with enterprise objectives and support sustainable growth
• Identify opportunities for market expansion, new customer engagement, and strategic partnerships
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering, sales, and program management to accelerate innovation and delivery

People Leadership

• Build and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and servant leadership
• Promote talent development, succession readiness, and organizational capability building

Financial Stewardship

• Deliver consistent, data-driven performance against ambitious growth targets
• Maintain rigorous financial oversight and forecasting accuracy
• Present operational results and strategic insights to the executive team with clarity and impact

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (required)
• Advanced business education (MBA or equivalent) preferred

Industry Experience:

• Aerospace or defense manufacturing background required
• Deep understanding of precision machining, component manufacturing, or engineered systems
• Demonstrated success in highly regulated, quality-driven production environments
• Experience managing multi-site operations and diverse product portfolios

Leadership Experience:

• Minimum 20 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations
• Proven success in senior operational or general management roles with full P&L responsibility

Technical & Business Acumen:

• Strong financial and analytical skills with a strategic mindset
• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Ability to translate operational metrics into strategic decisions

Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience (range: $250,000–$300,000)

• Annual performance bonus
• Long-term incentive or equity participation
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Paid time off, family leave, and relocation support

Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller 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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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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Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.  

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location. 

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• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available. 

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

State-Specific Information: 

• 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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Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles. 

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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.