VP of Operations

Company Overview:

A recognized industry leader trusted by the United States government for over 75 years. With an impeccable reputation and dedication to delivering quality, WTC is a single integrated solutions provider, bringing equipment, parts, and service together to provide comprehensive solutions to all industries and government institutions and service trades.

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Operations is responsible for setting the strategic direction and leading all operational activities for Wright Tool Company, a rapidly growing $50-100 million revenue company located in Warren, Michigan. This position will report directly to the CEO and serve as a key member of the executive leadership team. The CEO will be remote and expected to visit the Michigan facility not less than once a month.

Primary responsibilities include developing and executing strategies to enhance profitability, productivity, and efficiency across departments such as sourcing, purchasing, contracts administration, inventory management, kitting, project management, customer service, and distribution/logistics. Implementing process improvements, maintaining ISO quality standards, and ensuring supply chain resiliency are also critical focus areas.

The VP Operations will oversee approximately 50 employees across these operational departments and distribution facility. This role will drive continuous improvement initiatives, define and track key performance metrics, and foster cross-functional collaboration to achieve company objectives.

Ideal candidates will have experience leading operations for a sales organization with a focus on distribution and kitting, preferably having worked for a government/defense contracting company. A background in developing standardized processes, mentoring operational leaders, and optimizing inventory levels is highly desired.

Site Management Responsibilities:

The VP of Operations will have overarching supervisory responsibility for all activities and personnel at the company's headquarters. With the CEO being remote, this position will serve as the operational leader for the location, ensuring day-to-day functions run smoothly and providing guidance to all on-site personnel.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Planning & Leadership

· Develop and execute the operational strategy to support overall company goals for growth and profitability

· Align operational capabilities and processes to meet customer requirements, mitigate risks, and improve efficiencies

· Provide leadership and direction to departmental managers overseeing purchasing, contracts, customer service, inventory, kitting, project management and distribution

· Establish a cohesive operating model to build teamwork and culture and optimize performance

Process Improvement & Standardization

· Evaluate current processes and systems related to areas like procurement, inventory management, order fulfillment etc.

· Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, reduce costs, improve quality and implement best practices

· Drive initiatives to achieve ISO certification and maintain compliance with applicable standards

· Define, document, and institutionalize standardized processes and operating procedures

Inventory & Supply Chain Management

· Oversee inventory planning, forecasting demand, and inventory optimization initiatives

· Develop strategies to maintain appropriate inventory levels to meet customer requirements

· Enhance supply chain capabilities and resiliency, mitigating potential disruptions

· Manage relationships and performance of key suppliers and vendors

Government Contract Compliance

· Ensure adherence to the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), government procurement processes, Joint Ethics Regulation, Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) audit processes, Military Specific Packaging requirements, and compliance program.

· Maintain comprehensive understanding of government procurement processes and auditing procedures

· Oversight of a Program Management Office handling government/defense contracts

Metrics & Performance Management

· Establish operational KPIs and performance targets (e.g. inventory accuracy, on-time delivery, productivity)

· Implement tracking mechanisms and routinely analyze/report on metrics

· Drive continuous improvement and corrective actions to achieve targets

· Conduct performance evaluations and professional development plans for direct reports

Other Duties:

· Manage operational budgets, approving expenditures and controlling costs

· Evaluate, recommend and oversee implementation of operational technologies/systems

· Ensure compliance with all relevant local, state and federal laws and regulations

· Assist in developing company policies and procedures as a member of the executive team and on-site manager.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position directly manages departmental managers across Purchasing, Contracts Administration, Customer Service, Inventory Control, Kitting, Project Management and Distribution. Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with company policies regarding interviewing, hiring, training, appraising performance, rewarding, disciplining and terminating employees.

Education, Certifications and Experience Required:

· Bachelor's degree in Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain or related field preferred

· Minimum 5 years of experience leading operations for a manufacturing or distribution company, preferably in industrial tools/equipment setting

· Prior experience operating in an ISO environment and implementing lean/continuous improvement methodologies

· Significant inventory management experience with forecasting, planning and optimization

· Previous oversight of a purchasing/procurement team and contract administration processes

· Proven track record of driving process standardization

· Experience with government/defense contracts and the FAR

· Proficient with Microsoft Office and ERP systems (SAGE 300 & Latitude WMS preferred)

Key Competencies:

· Exceptional leadership skills to develop and motivate cross-functional teams

· Ability to analyze data and metrics to drive operational improvements

· Strategic mindset with strong business acumen

· Superior communication and presentation abilities

· High attention to detail and process-oriented thinking

· Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee must be able to speak and hear. Occasional light lifting (up to 25 pounds) may be required.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment comprised of both an office setting and operational distribution facilities. The majority of time will be spent at the corporate headquarters office in Warren, Michigan. Travel is expected to be minimal. This role routinely uses standard office equipment.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

Wright Tool Company provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, status as a covered veteran, or any other protected category in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Wright Tool Company complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/fmlaen.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/whd/regs/compliance/posters/eppac.pdf

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $140,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• No weekends

Work Location: In person

Salary : $140,000