Apex Placement & Consulting
Chief Operating Officer
Apex Placement & Consulting, Ferndale, Michigan, United States, 48220
APEX Placement and Consulting has partnered with an exciting Manufacturer in Metro Detroit looking to add a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to their executive leadership team. The COO will oversee all manufacturing and operational functions, ensuring production efficiency, safety, and profitability while driving long-term strategic growth. Keep reading for more details!
What’s in it for you Direct Hire, Executive-level position Competitive salary and performance-based incentives Comprehensive benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401K Paid vacation and holidays Opportunity to lead a high-impact operation within a growing aluminum forging company Collaborate with an experienced leadership team committed to innovation and continuous improvement
What your day will look like Operational Leadership Oversee day‑to‑day operations across forging, machining, heat treatment, finishing, and logistics. Develop and execute strategies to maximize productivity, safety, and profitability. Standardize best practices and lead continuous improvement across facilities.
Production & Process Optimization Drive efficiency through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and KPI tracking. Increase press utilization, improve die life, and reduce downtime. Partner with engineering to improve tooling, material flow, and part quality.
Metallurgy & Quality Assurance Ensure compliance with
ASTM, AS9100, and IATF 16949
standards. Oversee quality inspection, NDT, ultrasonic, and mechanical testing. Lead corrective action initiatives and continuous improvement for quality systems.
Financial & Cost Management Manage operational budgets, cost controls, and capital expenditures. Implement cost‑reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and safety. Support executive leadership in meeting financial and operational targets.
Supply Chain & Materials Management Oversee procurement of aluminum billets, tooling, and consumables. Strengthen supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality and delivery. Optimize inventory control, logistics, and production scheduling.
Health, Safety & Environmental Promote a strong safety culture and compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations. Lead proactive safety programs and audits. Drive sustainability efforts including recycling and energy efficiency.
Leadership & Workforce Development Lead and mentor plant managers, engineers, and operations staff. Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth. Develop future leaders and succession plans across the organization.
Strategic Growth & Innovation Collaborate with the CEO and Board on long‑term growth and operational strategy. Evaluate and implement new forging technologies and automation. Support new product introduction and capacity expansion initiatives.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting Establish and report KPIs for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Utilize ERP/MES systems for data‑driven decision‑making. Present operational updates to the CEO and Board of Directors.
What we’re looking for Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (MBA preferred). 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in metal forging, casting, or heavy manufacturing. Expertise in aluminum metallurgy and process optimization. Proven record of success in operational turnarounds, Lean implementation, and cost management. Experience leading multi‑site operations and large cross‑functional teams.
Skills & Competencies Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills. Data‑driven and financially astute decision‑maker. Strong understanding of quality standards
AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949 . Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactical plans effectively. Passion for safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Safety performance (TRIR, LTI) On‑time delivery rate OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) Scrap and rework percentage Cost per unit produced Customer satisfaction and audit results Employee retention and training metrics
At Apex, we actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable to us, and we’re excited to see how you can contribute to this organization’s success.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
What’s in it for you Direct Hire, Executive-level position Competitive salary and performance-based incentives Comprehensive benefits package: Medical, Dental, Vision, and 401K Paid vacation and holidays Opportunity to lead a high-impact operation within a growing aluminum forging company Collaborate with an experienced leadership team committed to innovation and continuous improvement
What your day will look like Operational Leadership Oversee day‑to‑day operations across forging, machining, heat treatment, finishing, and logistics. Develop and execute strategies to maximize productivity, safety, and profitability. Standardize best practices and lead continuous improvement across facilities.
Production & Process Optimization Drive efficiency through Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and KPI tracking. Increase press utilization, improve die life, and reduce downtime. Partner with engineering to improve tooling, material flow, and part quality.
Metallurgy & Quality Assurance Ensure compliance with
ASTM, AS9100, and IATF 16949
standards. Oversee quality inspection, NDT, ultrasonic, and mechanical testing. Lead corrective action initiatives and continuous improvement for quality systems.
Financial & Cost Management Manage operational budgets, cost controls, and capital expenditures. Implement cost‑reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and safety. Support executive leadership in meeting financial and operational targets.
Supply Chain & Materials Management Oversee procurement of aluminum billets, tooling, and consumables. Strengthen supplier relationships to ensure consistent quality and delivery. Optimize inventory control, logistics, and production scheduling.
Health, Safety & Environmental Promote a strong safety culture and compliance with OSHA and environmental regulations. Lead proactive safety programs and audits. Drive sustainability efforts including recycling and energy efficiency.
Leadership & Workforce Development Lead and mentor plant managers, engineers, and operations staff. Build a culture of accountability, teamwork, and professional growth. Develop future leaders and succession plans across the organization.
Strategic Growth & Innovation Collaborate with the CEO and Board on long‑term growth and operational strategy. Evaluate and implement new forging technologies and automation. Support new product introduction and capacity expansion initiatives.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting Establish and report KPIs for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Utilize ERP/MES systems for data‑driven decision‑making. Present operational updates to the CEO and Board of Directors.
What we’re looking for Education & Experience Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Manufacturing Engineering (MBA preferred). 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in metal forging, casting, or heavy manufacturing. Expertise in aluminum metallurgy and process optimization. Proven record of success in operational turnarounds, Lean implementation, and cost management. Experience leading multi‑site operations and large cross‑functional teams.
Skills & Competencies Exceptional leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills. Data‑driven and financially astute decision‑maker. Strong understanding of quality standards
AS9100, ISO 9001, IATF 16949 . Strategic thinker with the ability to execute tactical plans effectively. Passion for safety, innovation, and continuous improvement.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Safety performance (TRIR, LTI) On‑time delivery rate OEE (Overall Equipment Effectiveness) Scrap and rework percentage Cost per unit produced Customer satisfaction and audit results Employee retention and training metrics
At Apex, we actively encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
Your unique experiences and perspectives are valuable to us, and we’re excited to see how you can contribute to this organization’s success.
#J-18808-Ljbffr