VP of Manufacturing Operations

VP of Manufacturing Operations: Multi-Site

Position type: Full-Time, SalariedLocation: North Grafton, MA

Ask Yourself This

Are you passionate about operations management, material science, particle engineering, metallurgy, mechanical engineering or other aspects related to heavy industry or continual process flow manufacturing? Have you performed as a plant manager, and have you led multi-site operations or are you ready for the challenge? Do you practice safety excellence, continuous improvement, lead by example, have or seek multi-site management experience? Are you relentless on follow-up, and do you have a proven track record of excellent leadership skills? Are you interested in working for a high-integrity family manufacturing business, have you been in the C suite and are you driven for success? If this sounds like you, we're looking for a skilled VP of Manufacturing Operations to lead on-site in Grafton, MA.

Who We Are

Washington Mills is built on values that matter. Founded more than 150 years ago, we have earned our reputation as one of the world's most trusted and reliable producers of abrasive, ceramic and refractory materials. Offering a broad selection of abrasive grains, powders and specialty minerals in the market today, Washington Mills has a long history of excellence servicing our customers. Washington Mills' products are well known and respected for their quality and consistency of performance and we continually pursue growth in our products, our approach, and our people. Washington Mills is a leader in its industry, and we got there by following our family business values, treating our employees, customers, suppliers and the environment around us with respect. We are a community of hands-on problem solvers and innovators, committed to manufacturing and shaping the material applications of the future. With manufacturing sites located throughout North America and Europe, Washington Mills opens the door to a world of opportunity, creativity and challenge for the next generation of manufacturing leaders. If your passion and experience lie in materials and operational excellence in manufacturing - and you're ready and experienced for the responsibilities of the C-Suite - this job is for you.What You'll Do

This position reports to the President, is a member of the senior management team, and manages the operations of 3 manufacturing plants located in Grafton, MA, NY, and WI. The position will be based out of the Grafton, MA plant with regular travel to other sites. The work requires an active hands-on manager that will learn and manage the intricacies of the people, plants, products, processes and core technologies. The focus of the work will be centered around taking and managing actions that drive a safety culture, innovate products and processes, develop talent, control costs and maintain a steady and consistent manufacturing operation driven to KPI's and customer satisfaction. Key job responsibilities include:

Drive a lead with safety culture by working closely with the plant EHS managersClosely manage and control operating costs at each plantWork closely with cross-functional teams of Finance, HR, Sales, Purchasing to delight our customers through delivering manufacturing excellenceManage plant managers and work closely with them to maximize yields, improve throughput, reduce downtime, uphold quality and keep the operations running smoothlyEvaluate and prioritize capital expenditure needs or opportunities at each plant, including analysis of returns and payback period. Work with finance to create a capex budget and justification for projectsWork closely with plant accountants to analyze monthly P&L results at each plantOversee personnel issues at the plants. Interview and hire employees, oversee manpower levels, work schedules and overtime. Work with plant managers and HR Director on succession planningScope, plan, and execute new manufacturing engineering projects with the team and manage them to ensure timely completion within budgetCreate and sustain a culture of continuous improvement aimed at creating new solutions to increase plant efficiency and customer satisfactionStay informed on production planning to ensure that production at each plant is moving according to changes in sales and inventoryOversee overall inventory levels across the plants and coordinate with purchasing, sales, and finance to manage inventory at acceptable levelsCollaborate between sales and R&D on development and manufacturing of new productsWork closely with maintenance and process engineers to study and improve the plants' mechanical systemsMaintain key external vendor and business relationshipsSet and maintain standards, policies, audits, KPI's and ways of work that manage within a standardized operational systemEnsuring systems and ways of work follow standardized operating procedures and changes are made in accordance with management of change protocolsLead by example and spend time on the manufacturing floorWork with management team on special projects, initiatives, business strategy and decision making

A Little About You

Bachelors' Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations15+ years of experience in the manufacturing industry, with demonstrated experience and success in the role of operationsStrong interpersonal communication skills - verbal/writtenExcellent computer skills, understanding of plant floor PLC systems, automation experience, ERP/MRP/PM platformsExperience and training in Lean Manufacturing methodology and systemsDemonstrated ability to build rapport, develop and motivate teams and deliver resultsSelf-disciplined, self-motivated, curious, detail-oriented, determined, diligent, unflappableMaterials, mechanical, industrial, and manufacturing backgroundLoves problem solving and not deterred by challengesLead and manage within a framework that adheres to standard work and understanding of the methodology of the management of changeHigh performer, quick study, excellent cognitive skillsOrganized, efficient and comfortable managing a wide variety of non-routine tasksPassionate about leading the next generation of manufacturing in North America and driven to make a lasting and positive impact on the organization

Compensation/Benefits

We proudly offer robust compensation and benefits packages, including:

Competitive pay, commensurate with experienceProfit sharingHeavily subsidized medical and dental planEmployer-sponsored retirement planCompany-paid life insuranceImmediate paid vacation and generous holiday timeFamily-friendly sick and personal leave policiesOpportunities for career development

Washington Mills aims to deliver a comprehensive compensation package. The compensation provided is the national pay range for this position of $150K-250K per year depending on experience. However, the base pay offered may vary depending on geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Interested? We want to hear from you! Visit washingtonmills.com/careers and tell us why you're the candidate we're looking for.

The job responsibilities described above indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not intended to include a comprehensive inventory of all duties and responsibilities for this job. Job duties and responsibilities are subject to change based on evolving business needs and conditions.

Washington Mills is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to workforce diversity. M/F/D/V. Qualified minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.