Vice President of Operations
Shape the Future of Manufacturing Excellence
Company Overview
ATACO Steel Product Corporation is a family-owned metal stamping and fabricating company that generates approximately $25 million in annual sales. With advanced manufacturing capabilities and a diverse customer base in industries such as agriculture, lawn and garden, rail, material handling, and defense, ATACO combines innovation and customer-focused service to deliver high-quality products.
Our capabilities include :
- Deep-draw stamping presses up to 1700 tons are complemented by 5-axis laser technology, enabling precision manufacturing and reducing tooling costs.
- 5-axis lasers, flat lasers, brake presses, manual and robotic welding, and CNC machining , offering scalable solutions to meet diverse customer needs.
Positioned for significant growth- join us as we expand and innovate in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment.
Position Summary
As Vice President of Operations (VP-Operations), you will be a strategic leader overseeing plant management and operations, including production, quality assurance, purchasing, and technical support. Reporting directly to the President, you will play a key role in driving operational excellence, maintaining strong relationships with union employees, and executing growth strategies aligned with our company's values and goals.
Key priorities include :
Driving operational excellence in a high-mix, low-volume environment.Supporting business development initiatives.Managing cyclical demand patterns with scalable strategies.Building strong partnerships with customers and union representatives.This role offers a unique opportunity to work closely with our next-generation President as we prepare for a leadership transition and execute our long-term growth strategy.
Key Responsibilities
1. Strategic & Engineering Leadership
Mentor the Engineering Department to foster innovation and excellence.Oversee tooling design for deep-draw stamping applications.Optimize engineering resources to improve production efficiency and meet customer demands.Lead continuous improvement initiatives and advise on technology upgrades.2. Business Development
Collaborate with Sales on operational assessments for quoting and estimating.Guide product launches, from prototype development to production.Implement paperless estimating software to enhance efficiency.Cultivate customer relationships through regular business reviews.3. Capacity Planning & Resource Management
Develop scalable manufacturing strategies to manage cyclical demand fluctuations.Optimize resource allocation across product lines using data analytics.Implement workforce solutions, such as cross-training and flexible scheduling.4. Plant Management & Production
Direct daily plant operations, ensuring efficient staffing and scheduling.Monitor and improve key performance metrics, such as on-time delivery and productivity.Advance lean manufacturing practices and troubleshoot production challenges.5. Quality & Technical Leadership
Ensure compliance with ISO and customer-specific quality standards.Oversee robust quality planning during product launches.Lead programs to enhance operational performance and minimize downtime.6. Supply Chain & Cost Management
Align inventory strategies with demand projections.Manage supplier relationships to optimize procurement and logistics.Collaborate with Finance on budgeting and capital planning.7. Labor Relations & Communication
Foster positive relationships with IAM union representatives.Champion training and development initiatives in partnership with the union.Communicate effectively across shifts and departments to maintain alignment.8. Safety & Compliance
Promote a zero-incident safety culture and ensure OSHA compliance.Drive sustainability initiatives and maintain required certifications.Qualifications
Education :
Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Engineering, or Operations Management.MBA or advanced degree (preferred).Six Sigma or similar certifications (a plus).Experience :
10 years in manufacturing leadership, including unionized environments.Proven expertise in deep-draw metal stamping and fabrication.Successful management of cyclical demand and scaling operations.Hands-on experience with new product launches.Strong background in tool design, estimating, and quoting.Ideal Candidate
We seek a leader who exemplifies our core values :
Respect - Act with kindness and courtesy toward individuals and customers.Trust - Be honest, reliable, and committed to the team's success.Clarity - Communicate clearly and listen to understand.Teamwork - Show up for each other and celebrate collective achievements.Organization - Maintain a clean, efficient workspace to focus on excellence.Enjoyment - Find joy in challenges and keep the workplace fun.Pride - Take ownership and inspire others through your work.Humility - Be open to learning, adapt, and grow for shared success.Compensation & Benefits
Competitive salary based on experience.Comprehensive benefits package, including :Health, dental, and vision insurance.
401(k) with company match.Performance-based bonus program.Paid time off and holidays.Professional development support.Why Join ATACO Steel Products Corporation?
Leadership Transition : Shape the future alongside a dynamic executive team.Innovative Culture : Be part of a family-owned business that values innovation.Growth Opportunities : Leverage cutting-edge technologies to drive expansion.How to Apply
Submit your resume and cover letter detailing your accomplishments and leadership style. Highlight how your approach aligns with our company values and growth strategy.
Take the next step in your career-become a leader at ATACO Steel Products Corporation!
Salary : $25
