*This role is a full time position with a Lean Focus client*

POSITION:  Vice President of Operations

JOB LOCATION:  Fitchburg, MA

DIRECT REPORTS:  ~5

TRAVEL: N/A

The Vice President of Operations will lead plant operations, Lean manufacturing implementation and long-term manufacturing strategy to drive process improvement.  This includes implementing and driving a culture of Continuous Improvement through hands-on leadership, managing the operational P&L, and improving operating efficiencies. In this role, the VP works closely with the executive leadership team to drive operational excellence and long-term strategy.

• Managing the operational P&L, overall operations budget, and associated expenses for the plant
• Driving operational improvements to manage and improve KPIs around safety, quality, delivery, inventory, productivity, cost, purchasing, material usage, logistics, and labor productivity
• Leading the plant with a process-driven approach and a strong focus on safety
• Driving a Lean transformation culture through hands-on leadership and employee engagement
• Establishing a Continuous Improvement environment by utilizing key tools with an on-going pursuit of waste elimination, quality, and service level improvement, including: 5S+Safety, Visual Management, SMED, One Piece Flow, Daily Management, VSM, A3/problem solving, material flow/Kanban, cellular manufacturing set up, TPM, Kaizen events, and leader standard work
• Developing and executing the manufacturing optimization plan and strategy
• Collaborating cross-functionally to ensure coordination on all projects for material sourcing and regional manufacturing expansion
• Ensuring engagement and clarity on key priorities through a cadence of Gemba walks, KPI reviews, and action planning
• Partnering with functional leaders to enhance operational capabilities
• Assessing, recommending, and implementing capital improvement projects and capital expense plans to improve output and deliver ROI in support of business strategy
• Developing and maintaining a high-performing organization through selection, direction, coaching and training
• Mentoring and empowering the operations team to fully own and drive the performance, quality, accountability, and engagement of their organization
• Maintaining and building upon the company’s culture as a best-in-class, customer-centric organization
• Ensuring that all employees are team-oriented and work collaboratively up, down, and across the organization; managing and resolving issues and conflicts within/across teams while recognizing and celebrating successes
• Providing timely and accurate reporting to the COO on business results, including monthly/quarterly business reviews
• Managing financial requirements and approving plant-level budgets
• Ensuring that all OSHA, FDA standards, and regulatory requirements are met and maintained
• Establishing, documenting, and reporting on safety and quality metrics and maintaining and managing all quality systems as required by any/all quality-based certifications
• Assisting with the operational assessment of corporate acquisitions and supporting integration of newly acquired businesses

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering or related field; MBA is preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of progressive experience in manufacturing, leadership, or general management with at least 5 years of experience at a senior management or director-level
• Experience with implementing a Lean roadmap and rollout including success with Lean culture, leadership transformation, and employee engagement
• Experience implementing and leading Continuous Improvement and Safety programs including implementation of 5S plus Safety, Visual Management, One Piece Flow, Daily Management, Value Stream Mapping, A3/problem solving, material flow/Kanban, Total Preventive Maintenance, Kaizen events, and leader standard work
• Experience in the printing or packaging industry a plus
• Strong leadership, change management, and project management skills
• Effective professional written and oral communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to operate both tactically and strategically
• Ability to motivate teams with proven experience in setting and achieving goals
• Ability to develop strong relationships with all levels of the organization
• Demonstrated experience identifying and evaluating complex business problems, collecting relevant data, establishing facts, and providing well thought-out solutions
• Must act with a high degree of integrity in both words and behaviors
• High proficiency in Windows, Word and Excel, ability to learn and master other software systems

• Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. It will include a base salary and an annual performance bonus, long term incentives, and other benefits and perquisites.

Lean Focus LLC is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, or protected Veteran status.

At Lean Focus, we help businesses overcome their biggest challenges by transforming them for the better, and for the long-term. A "who's who" of global leaders in every industry, our clients include some of the world's most respected brands and several members of the Fortune 1000.