Keller Executive Search
Vice President- Manufacturing Operations
Keller Executive Search, New Haven, Connecticut, us, 06540
About Our Client
Our client is a global leader in precision‑engineered components and systems serving the aerospace, defense, and advanced industrial sectors. With a longstanding heritage of manufacturing excellence, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation.
Privately held and values‑driven, the organization operates multiple manufacturing and engineering facilities worldwide, supporting leading OEMs and tier‑one suppliers on some of the industry’s most advanced programs. Known for operational discipline and long‑term partnerships, it combines the stability of a mature enterprise with the agility of a modern, high‑growth manufacturer.
The Opportunity We are looking for a Vice President‑ Manufacturing Operations to join the leadership team and assume responsibility for multiple operating divisions within the company’s aerospace and defense portfolio.
This position offers exceptional growth potential for an accomplished manufacturing executive with a proven record of leading complex, multi‑site operations. This is an onsite role with regular travel required between manufacturing sites.
Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership
Full P&L accountability for assigned business units, ensuring financial performance, cost efficiency, and margin optimization
Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing sites
Lead initiatives in production performance, supply chain management, and process optimization
Ensure compliance with industry quality standards and regulatory requirements
Strategic Growth
Develop and execute business strategies that align with enterprise objectives and support sustainable growth
Identify opportunities for market expansion, new customer engagement, and strategic partnerships
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams in engineering, sales, and program management to accelerate innovation and delivery
People Leadership
Build and develop high‑performing teams across multiple locations
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and servant leadership
Promote talent development, succession readiness, and organizational capability building
Financial Stewardship
Deliver consistent, data‑driven performance against ambitious growth targets
Maintain rigorous financial oversight and forecasting accuracy
Present operational results and strategic insights to the executive team with clarity and impact
Requirements Education
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (required)
Advanced business education (MBA or equivalent) preferred
Industry Experience
Aerospace or defense manufacturing background required
Deep understanding of precision machining, component manufacturing, or engineered systems
Demonstrated success in highly regulated, quality‑driven production environments
Experience managing multi‑site operations and diverse product portfolios
Leadership Experience
Minimum 20 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations
Proven success in senior operational or general management roles with full P&L responsibility
Technical & Business Acumen
Strong financial and analytical skills with a strategic mindset
Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
Ability to translate operational metrics into strategic decisions
Benefits
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience (range: $250,000-$300,000)
Annual performance bonus
Long‑term incentive or equity participation
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
401(k)
Paid time off, family leave, and relocation support
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non‑Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Commitment to Diversity Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.
Reasonable Accommodations Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compensation Information For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.
Compliance with Laws Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Workplace Harassment Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
E‑Verify Participation Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E‑Verify. Information about E‑Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.
Privacy and Pay Equity
California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
State‑Specific Information
Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.
Veteran Status Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.
Genetic Information In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.
Local Laws Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.
Note This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
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Privately held and values‑driven, the organization operates multiple manufacturing and engineering facilities worldwide, supporting leading OEMs and tier‑one suppliers on some of the industry’s most advanced programs. Known for operational discipline and long‑term partnerships, it combines the stability of a mature enterprise with the agility of a modern, high‑growth manufacturer.
The Opportunity We are looking for a Vice President‑ Manufacturing Operations to join the leadership team and assume responsibility for multiple operating divisions within the company’s aerospace and defense portfolio.
This position offers exceptional growth potential for an accomplished manufacturing executive with a proven record of leading complex, multi‑site operations. This is an onsite role with regular travel required between manufacturing sites.
Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership
Full P&L accountability for assigned business units, ensuring financial performance, cost efficiency, and margin optimization
Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing sites
Lead initiatives in production performance, supply chain management, and process optimization
Ensure compliance with industry quality standards and regulatory requirements
Strategic Growth
Develop and execute business strategies that align with enterprise objectives and support sustainable growth
Identify opportunities for market expansion, new customer engagement, and strategic partnerships
Collaborate with cross‑functional teams in engineering, sales, and program management to accelerate innovation and delivery
People Leadership
Build and develop high‑performing teams across multiple locations
Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and servant leadership
Promote talent development, succession readiness, and organizational capability building
Financial Stewardship
Deliver consistent, data‑driven performance against ambitious growth targets
Maintain rigorous financial oversight and forecasting accuracy
Present operational results and strategic insights to the executive team with clarity and impact
Requirements Education
Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (required)
Advanced business education (MBA or equivalent) preferred
Industry Experience
Aerospace or defense manufacturing background required
Deep understanding of precision machining, component manufacturing, or engineered systems
Demonstrated success in highly regulated, quality‑driven production environments
Experience managing multi‑site operations and diverse product portfolios
Leadership Experience
Minimum 20 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations
Proven success in senior operational or general management roles with full P&L responsibility
Technical & Business Acumen
Strong financial and analytical skills with a strategic mindset
Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
Ability to translate operational metrics into strategic decisions
Benefits
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience (range: $250,000-$300,000)
Annual performance bonus
Long‑term incentive or equity participation
Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
401(k)
Paid time off, family leave, and relocation support
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non‑Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.
Commitment to Diversity Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.
Reasonable Accommodations Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.
Compensation Information For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.
Compliance with Laws Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
Workplace Harassment Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.
E‑Verify Participation Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E‑Verify. Information about E‑Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.
Privacy and Pay Equity
California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
State‑Specific Information
Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.
Veteran Status Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.
Genetic Information In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.
Local Laws Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.
Note This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.
#J-18808-Ljbffr