Location: Greater Buffalo, NY

Job Summary:

The Vice President of Manufacturing oversees operations and performance at a dedicated manufacturing facility specializing in a specific product line or family. This role ensures the plant meets production goals, maintains quality standards, and achieves cost targets while fostering a culture of continuous improvement, safety, and employee engagement. Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams, the Vice President of Manufacturing optimizes processes, resolves bottlenecks, and drives operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop and implement strategies to enhance productivity, efficiency, and overall performance of the factory.

Oversee all manufacturing operations including production planning, capacity management, and inventory control.

Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as output, quality metrics, cycle time, and equipment utilization.

Identify and resolve production issues, process inefficiencies, and supply chain disruptions promptly.

Implement lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma methodologies, and continuous improvement initiatives.

Manage the factory’s budget, allocate resources, and make data-driven decisions to optimize costs.

Collaborate with engineering, quality assurance, and maintenance teams to optimize equipment and processes.

Lead, motivate, and develop the focus factory's workforce, promoting a culture of safety, accountability, and continuous learning.

Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, customers, and cross-functional stakeholders.

Provide regular reports and strategic recommendations to senior management on factory's performance and initiatives.

Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in industrial engineering, manufacturing, operations management, or a related field.

10 years of experience in manufacturing, with at least 10 years in a leadership role.

Proficiency in lean manufacturing principles, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.

Demonstrated success in driving operational excellence with measurable improvements in productivity, quality, and cost efficiency.

Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and project management skills.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams.

Proficiency in manufacturing execution systems (MES), enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, and data analysis tools.

Knowledge of stainless steel, tubing, metal fabrication preferred.

Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., PMP, CPIM, Lean Six Sigma) a plus.