Vice President of Manufacturing (Automotive)

Keller Executive Search; Cincinnati (OH); On-site; USD 200,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance Bonus

Comprehensive health insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

Keller Executive Search is assisting a leading precision metal component manufacturer in the Cincinnati area by recruiting a Vice President of Manufacturing. You will lead manufacturing and quality across multi-facility operations, report to the President, and shape operational strategy during a growth phase.

The role requires 15+ years in manufacturing with at least 10 in leadership, strong lean and quality systems experience, and a track record in automotive or high-volume metal processing.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of manufacturing experience with 10+ years in management/supervisory roles.
• Experience leading manufacturing operations in automotive or precision metal processing.
• Strong background with metal stamping, forming, or high-volume production processes.
• Proficiency with lean methodologies and continuous improvement (5S, Kaizen).
• Experience with quality systems and regulatory compliance (IATF, TS 16949 preferred).
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams; strong communication and collaborative leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing and quality departments across facilities.
• Manage capital and operating budgets with growth vs. discipline balance.
• Set manufacturing goals, performance metrics, and quality expectations.
• Oversee staffing and ensure proper workforce levels across functions.
• Maintain customer relationships regarding production capabilities, delivery, and quality.
• Drive continuous improvement to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and safety regulations across operations.
• Collaborate with executive team on strategic planning and initiatives.
• Monitor production data and identify opportunities for improvement.

Skills

Strategic leadership

P&L ownership

Budgeting

Lean manufacturing

Quality systems

Communication

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business or Engineering

MBA preferred

Job description

Our client is a leading precision metal component manufacturer serving the automotive and industrial sectors. Operating multiple advanced manufacturing facilities across the United States, they specialize in high-volume production using advanced metal forming and stamping technologies. They supply critical components to tier-one automotive suppliers and industrial OEMs.

The Role

We are recruiting a Vice President of Manufacturing to lead manufacturing operations for a multi-facility U.S. operation. Reporting directly to the President, this role has responsibility for all manufacturing and quality departments at the primary facility and oversight of operations at additional locations. This is a high-impact position with significant visibility throughout the organization and the opportunity to shape operational strategy during a period of growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing and quality departments, ensuring optimal performance across production facilities
• Manage comprehensive capital and operational budgets with focus on balancing growth investments with financial discipline
• Establish manufacturing goals, performance metrics, and quality expectations
• Oversee staff recruitment and ensure proper staffing levels across all functional areas
• Maintain direct customer relationships regarding production capabilities, delivery schedules, and quality standards
• Implement and monitor continuous improvement initiatives to reduce costs and enhance efficiency
• Drive adoption of industry quality management systems (IATF, ISO TS 16949, ISO 14001)
• Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and safety regulations across all operations
• Lead cross-functional initiatives and participate in strategic planning with the executive team
• Monitor production performance data and identify improvement opportunities

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or related field

• 15 years of manufacturing experience, with at least 10 years in management or supervisory roles
• Demonstrated experience leading manufacturing operations in automotive or precision metal processing industries
• Strong background with metal stamping, forming, or similar high-volume production processes
• Proficiency with lean manufacturing methodologies and continuous improvement frameworks (5S, Kaizen, etc.)
• Experience managing quality systems and regulatory compliance (IATF, TS 16949 preferred)
• Proven ability to lead and develop teams
• Strong communication skills and collaborative leadership approach
• Experience managing P&L and capital budgets
• Travel: Approximately 10% per month (primarily to other company facilities)

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in Business or Engineering
• Experience managing multi-facility operations
• Background with tool design or manufacturing process optimization
• Exposure to global manufacturing environments
• Experience navigating supply chain challenges in automotive manufacturing

• Base Salary: $200,000 - $235,000

• Performance Bonus
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.