CEL Critical Power is hiring: VP Production in Williamsburg

CEL Critical Power is an Irish‑based, 40‑year manufacturer, distributor and exporter of electrical switchgear and controls, now focused on supplying the global data centre industry. Operating from a newly acquired 400,000 ft² facility in Williamsburg, Virginia, we aim to double in size each year for the next three years.

About The Role

Reporting to the Director of Manufacturing, we are seeking a highly motivated and strategic Vice President of Production. The VP will be responsible for delivering excellence across all production‑related functions, including Production Operations, Environmental Health & Safety (EHS), Quality Assurance (QA), Warehousing and Facilities Management (FM). This role will ensure operational efficiency, compliance and continuous improvement to meet business objectives and profitability. The ideal candidate will bring extensive knowledge in establishing robust production processes, implementing verifiable Lean Manufacturing systems, DFM, process development and CI processes.

What You’ll Be Doing

Strategic Leadership

• Assume full accountability for the profitable performance of the US manufacturing program
• Develop and execute the end‑to‑end strategy to align with CEL growth objectives and customer expectations
• Ensure all factory operations are focused on building Best‑in‑Class products for our customers
• Drive operational excellence through lean manufacturing, automation and best practices

Production Management

• Oversee daily operations across assembly, testing and shipping of switchgear products, optimise production workflows, reduce waste and improve throughput
• Ensure adherence to production schedules and optimise resource utilisation
• Lead cross‑functional initiatives to scale consistent and repeatable manufacturing processes, capabilities and capacity
• Implement Lean Manufacturing principles and automate production systems across the facility
• Support demand planning and inventory optimisation efforts (SIOPS)
• Implement and sustain Continuous Improvement programmes such as Kaizen and Six Sigma
• Implement appropriate NPI tools to manage and sign‑off the NPI/customer onboarding process

EHS & Compliance

• Champion a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with OSHA, IEC, and local regulations
• Implement proactive risk management and sustainability initiatives

Quality Assurance

• Manage the implementation and maintenance of ISO 9001 and other relevant certifications
• Ensure an audit‑ready facility that complies with industry standards and regulatory requirements
• Drive continuous improvement in product quality and reliability

Warehousing & Inventory Control

• Oversee the development of our warehousing operational and management strategy
• Ensure optimal material flow and inventory accuracy to support production efficiency
• Implement advanced warehouse management systems and processes

Financial & Performance Management

• Provide accurate, timely and consistent operational reports, identifying clear escalation paths and solutions
• Develop and manage production budgets, cost control measures and financial KPIs
• Implement operational KPIs, track trends and act on corrective measures

Team Development

• Lead and mentor managers across production, EHS, QA and warehousing functions
• Foster a culture of attention to detail, accountability, collaboration and innovation
• Utilise a hands‑on, collaborative leadership style and lead by example at all times
• Coordinate with the Irish counterpart to align and standardise processes and develop a ‘One CEL’ approach

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in production engineering, operations management or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in operational/production/supply chain leadership roles
• Proven track record in Lean Manufacturing, process optimisation and significant operational scaling
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of end‑to‑end supply chain and ERP systems
• High‑growth or transformation experience is highly desirable – switchgear, automotive or aerospace experience is appropriate
• Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal and change‑management skills
• Demonstrated commitment to ensuring business goals and functional goals are met or exceeded
• Highly energetic and curious, capable of empowering teams to push the envelope and drive CEL to be the best supplier in our industry
• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach and strong analytical skills that drive decision‑making
• Passionate about using CI methodologies to drive constant progress and momentum
• Ability to travel – approximately 15% – 20%

We strongly believe that seeking and hiring diverse talent and creating an inclusive workplace is the way to build an exceptional, innovative team that delivers excellence in service to our customers. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences to join this multicultural, hard‑working team.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance‑based incentives
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan
• Paid time off and holidays
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities
• A dynamic and growing team focused on innovation and excellence