Vice President of Manufacturing - Foundry Operations

Position Overview:

The Vice President of Manufacturing will be a key leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing operations. This includes managing production efficiency, product quality, safety, cost control, and workforce development within the facility. The VP will lead a dynamic team, implement best practices, and ensure the plant meets or exceeds production targets while maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in manufacturing leadership, within the casting sector, and possess a proven track record of operational excellence and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the plant’s manufacturing operations.
• Collaborate with senior management to develop long-term goals and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Establish and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and drive plant performance.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, ensuring the efficient and safe production of ductile iron castings and other related products.
• Manage production schedules to ensure timely delivery and meet customer expectations.
• Drive efforts to continuously improve operational processes and reduce inefficiencies, costs, and downtime.
• Implement lean manufacturing principles and best practices across the plant to drive productivity improvements.
• Lead efforts to ensure that the plant consistently produces high-quality products, minimizing defects and rework.
• Work closely with quality assurance teams to uphold and improve the plant's certification and audit readiness.
• Foster a culture of safety and ensure the plant complies with all safety regulations and standards.
• Monitor safety performance and implement programs to reduce incidents and promote a safe working environment.
• Lead root cause analysis for safety-related issues and take corrective actions.
• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performance team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and development programs for plant staff to ensure a skilled and engaged workforce.
• Develop succession plans and ensure the plant’s leadership pipeline is strong and aligned with business needs.
• Develop and manage the plant’s budget, ensuring operational costs are controlled and aligned with financial goals.
• Lead cost-saving initiatives without compromising product quality or safety standards.
• Work with finance and operations teams to identify areas for cost reduction, process optimization, and capital investment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Management, or a related field. A Master's degree in a relevant discipline is preferred.
• 10 years of experience in manufacturing management, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role (Director, VP, or equivalent).
• Prior experience in a heavy industrial, casting, or metalworking environment is strongly preferred.
• Proven track record in operational excellence, continuous improvement, and cost reduction in manufacturing settings.
• Strong knowledge of Lean, Six Sigma, or other process improvement methodologies.
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing large-scale operational budgets.
• Deep understanding of manufacturing processes, safety protocols, and quality assurance standards.
• Demonstrated ability to drive change and achieve results in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Proficient in manufacturing software and ERP systems.