Vice President of Manufacturing

Overview

A commercial linear lighting company expanding its capabilities is launching its inaugural in-house manufacturing operation and seeking a Vice President of Manufacturing to spearhead this initiative. This position involves building the manufacturing function from scratch, without existing teams or established procedures. The role includes defining and transitioning manufacturing activities from third-party contractors, overseeing production, supply chain, inventory, and quality from the outset, and engaging with both internal production and contractual partners. Reporting directly to the President, this role is part of senior leadership.

The Vice President will make strategic choices about product manufacturing—whether in-house or outsourced—manage cost and margin objectives connected with these decisions, and maintain vital supplier relationships and inventory systems to ensure timely production. As the operation develops, the VP will recruit and cultivate their department, building a team rather than managing an existing one. This opportunity suits a proactive leader with prior scaled manufacturing leadership seeking autonomy and direct executive collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead production control, develop processes, oversee quality systems, and manage purchasing across internal and contract manufacturing.
• Make strategic decisions regarding make-or-buy, managing cost of goods sold and margin goals for all product lines.
• Match manufacturing capacity with sales forecasts, ensure lead times are met, and develop production metrics such as throughput, labor efficiency, and equipment utilization.
• Manage the manufacturing budget and ensure that equipment and facilities are properly established and maintained.
• Direct sourcing, procurement, and materials planning to establish and negotiate a reliable and cost-effective supplier network.
• Implement inventory tactics to minimize investment and carrying costs, including replenishment strategies.
• Monitor supplier performance, conduct incoming inspections, and lead corrective action programs.
• Identify supply chain risks and formulate contingency plans for critical materials.
• Ensure products comply with engineering specifications, regulatory standards, and quality benchmarks.
• Own root cause analysis and corrective actions (CAPA), tracking key quality indicators such as First-Pass Yield, Defect Rate, RMA Rate, Cost of Poor Quality, and Supplier Quality.
• Drive initiatives focused on reducing warranty costs and enhancing product reliability.
• Recruit and lead teams in manufacturing, supply chain, and quality functions from the ground up.
• Maintain P&L responsibility for manufacturing operations.
• Establish department objectives aligned with the company’s strategic goals, collaborating cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Product, and Finance.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or technically related fields.
• Over 10 years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing.
• Experience managing both internal manufacturing operations and outsourced manufacturing partnerships.
• Proven P&L management skills and capability managing complex supply chains and supplier relationships.
• Track record of improving operational efficiency, reducing costs, and scaling production.
• Familiarity with ERP systems, production planning, inventory management, and quality control systems.
• Strong communication skills with ability to influence and negotiate at all organizational levels.
• Ability to pass employment screenings including background, drug/alcohol, and driving record checks.
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25% of the time.

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or equivalent advanced business education.
• Experience or training in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement methodologies.
• Prior experience establishing a new manufacturing site or function from the beginning.
• Background in electronics or a similar light manufacturing/assembly sector.

Compensation and Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 to $200,000 annually, depending on experience.

• Unlimited paid time off.
• 401(k) plan with matching contribution up to 4%.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance with company covering 50% of premiums.

Diversity and Equal Employment Opportunity

The company and associated clients are committed to equal opportunity employment practices without discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected classifications. Reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities and pregnant employees. The company complies with all relevant laws and regulations, including those related to pay equity, compensation transparency, and candidate evaluation, including use of AI tools strictly supporting human decision-making. Veterans are welcomed and encouraged to identify themselves during recruitment. Additional state-specific provisions apply regarding salary histories and wage range disclosures.