VP of Manufacturing Operations

VP of Manufacturing Operations

Job ID: 8534

San Diego, CA

Posted 50 minutes ago

THE COMPANY

Our client is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-quality upholstered furniture, recognized for its innovation, speed to market, and strong partnerships with top retailers across North America. With vertically integrated operations and a robust manufacturing footprint in Mexico and the United States, the company combines design excellence with operational agility to deliver customized, trend-driven solutions at scale. Known for its collaborative culture and commitment to continuous improvement, this industry leader offers a dynamic environment where leaders can drive impact, influence growth, and help shape the future of the home furnishings industry.

THE POSITION

Job Summary:

The Vice President of Manufacturing Operations is a pivotal leader tasked with transforming and scaling the company's manufacturing footprint to support accelerated growth. This key member of the leadership team owns full operational accountability across production, planning, supply chain, quality, and engineering, driving world-class performance in cost, service, and delivery. The role requires a hands-on, results-oriented leader who can elevate operational capabilities, implement best-in-class processes, and lead change across a complex manufacturing environment. By aligning execution with strategy, this leader will build a culture of accountability, speed, and continuous improvement while positioning the organization for long-term operational excellence and competitive advantage. This role reports to the CEO and will preferably be based in San Diego, California, Los Angeles or Tijuana, Mexico.

Job Responsibilities:

Defines and executes operational strategy aligned with the company's long-term growth plans and financial targets

Oversees six manufacturing sites (including 2 U.S. and 4 Mexico facilities)

Optimize production capacity between U.S. and Mexico to meet business needs and product mix

Manage cross-border production and shipping coordination, ensuring full compliance with IMMEX/maquiladora regulations, customs documentation, and U.S./Mexico trade policies

Drives lean manufacturing, productivity, and throughput across upholstery, leather, wood, CNC, and custom production lines

Ensures consistent product quality, timely delivery, and responsiveness to changing customer demands

Leads supply chain strategy including procurement, vendor management, inventory optimization, and freight/logistics

Leads the procurement, sourcing, warehousing, and logistics strategy, including supplier partnerships in multiple countries

Improve lead times, inventory turns, and cost control through better forecasting and ERP utilization

Partners with Product Development and Sales to align material planning and production to demand forecasts

Leads continuous improvement initiatives including Lean, Six Sigma, and 5S to reduce costs and improve efficiency

Establishes and monitors key performance indicators (KPIs) across manufacturing operations to support data-driven decisions

Builds and mentors a strong leadership team of Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Scheduling/Planning, Quality, and Manufacturing Support functions (Continuous Improvement and Engineering)

Promotes a high-performance culture that embraces accountability, teamwork, innovation, and employee development

Oversee compliance with OSHA, EPA, Cal/OSHA, and STPS standards as applicable in both countries

Champions lean manufacturing, 5S, Kaizen, and Six Sigma initiatives across all facilities

Input and preparation of an annual budget and on-going forecasts for Manufacturing Operations functions

Identifies and leads capital projects and automation initiatives that improve throughput and reduce waste

Build leadership capability, succession planning, and employee engagement across sites.

Develops and manages operational budgets and capital expenditures across both U.S. and Mexico operations

THE CANDIDATE

Qualifications (Experience/Skills/Education):

Bachelor's degree in operations, Industrial Engineering, Supply Chain, Business or similar.

15+ years of operational leadership in manufacturing with at least 5 years in an executive role (i.e., VP of Manufacturing Operations or Sr Director of Manufacturing Operations or similar), overseeing binational or global operations

Experience managing maquiladora (IMMEX) operations and California-based manufacturing under strict regulatory frameworks

Strong understanding of furniture manufacturing processes (upholstery, CNC, woodworking, assembly) a plus

Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, ERP systems, and quality control processes

Lean Six Sigma certification is preferred

Knowledge of Cross-Border Operational Strategy

Experienced with Manufacturing Scalability & Flexibility

Working knowledge of Trade and Regulatory Compliance (US/MX)

Experience with Supply Chain Optimization

Proven experience with Continuous Improvement & Cost Reduction

Possess good Financial & Business Acumen

Demonstrates aptitude for critical thinking and ability to utilize data in the advancement of functional and company objectives

Excellent leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills

Ability to travel up to 40% of time to multiple site locations in Mexico and U.S.

Positive and professional demeanor anchored by integrity and respect for others.

Ideal candidate will be inquisitive, curious, highly driven, resilient, and possess high emotional intelligence and good judgement.

Bilingual in Spanish and English (professional proficiency).