VP of Operations

Job Title: VP Operations Location: Buffalo, NY Hire Type: Direct Hire Pay Range: $125,000 - $200,000 Work Model: Onsite Recruiter Contact: Samantha Marranca Nature & Scope: Positional Overview This role requires a proven leader to oversee all operational aspects of a legacy manufacturing company specializing in metalworking and custom-engineered systems. The Vice President of Operations will focus on driving productivity, enhancing competitiveness, and shaping a positive, results-oriented organizational culture. The position is hands-on, requiring a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, with a focus on large capital equipment in a job shop environment. Reporting to the executive leadership and board of directors, the VP will lead strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and workforce development, including: Enhancing manufacturing efficiency in fabrication, machining, and packaging. Establishing internal meeting cadences to drive execution and accountability. Advising on capital investments and leading quarterly board reviews. Mentoring employees and fostering opportunities for growth. Potential elevation to VP/GM and ownership opportunities upon review. Role & Responsibility: Tasks That Will Lead To Your Success Operational Leadership: Oversee all operational aspects of the business, focusing on contract manufacturing and engineered systems. Lead the organization in improving manufacturing competitiveness and productivity in areas such as fabrication, machining, and packaging. Strategic Planning and Execution: Develop and implement a growth plan for sales, workforce, and operational capabilities. Recommend and oversee strategic capital investments to enhance operational efficiency and growth. Work closely with executive leadership and the board of directors to summarize results, challenges, and opportunities during quarterly meetings. Organizational Development: Mentor and provide growth opportunities for employees, fostering a results-oriented and positive company culture. Evaluate and potentially hire manufacturing supervisors and project managers to meet performance and growth demands. Cultural Leadership: Instill confidence and respect within the workforce by being a hands-on leader who leads by example. Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and shared financial success. Collaboration: Partner with the CFO to align on financial, administrative, and quality functions. Align with cross-functional teams to ensure operational goals are met effectively. Performance Monitoring and Reporting: Establish and drive internal meeting cadences to ensure focus on execution and results. Monitor and analyze operational performance metrics, taking action to address areas of improvement. Skills & Experience Qualifications That Will Help You Thrive Experience: 15 years in the metalworking industry, with at least 5 years in a job shop environment. Experience as a senior leader or general manager at a metalworking company with annual sales between $10–30MM. Proven experience in manufacturing and engineering large capital equipment. A strong network of industry contacts, including potential new employees and suppliers. Experience working with independent boards and outside equity investors is preferred. Skills: Demonstrated manufacturing and operating expertise, with hands-on problem-solving capabilities. Strong understanding of metalworking processes and production flow. Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to earn respect from shop labor, peers, and customers. Leadership ability to create a positive, results-oriented culture and instill an ownership mentality in employees. Personal Characteristics: High energy, entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on, "roll-up-the-sleeves" mentality. Strong integrity, transparency, and decisiveness in decision-making. Adaptability and resilience in handling ambiguity and uncertainty. Commitment to continuous improvement and openness to feedback. Strategic Vision: Ability to set clear and challenging goals and align the organization toward improved productivity and financial performance. Experience balancing broad organizational changes with achievable and realistic implementation plans. Capability to synthesize data and recommend strategic capital investments. This role demands a dynamic and visionary leader with a track record of success in driving operational excellence and business growth.