Vice President Operations

Confidential; Tennessee; On-site; USD 180,000 - 320,000; Full time

Job summary

Confidential is seeking a hands-on VP of Operations to lead manufacturing from raw materials through production and delivery. You will drive procurement, maintenance, and capacity planning in a growth-focused environment.

You will report to the President & CEO and lead a team across production, procurement, and maintenance to build the operational backbone for scaling precision components for highly regulated industries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Advanced Materials, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or related field; Master's preferred.
• 10–15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership in technical ceramics, advanced materials, or precision components.
• Proven ability to improve yield, quality, and operations in complex manufacturing environments.

Responsibilities

• Oversee raw material planning, procurement, and supplier quality for powders and materials.
• Lead pre-production testing and material validation to meet specs.
• Coordinate demand planning and scheduling with capacity and constraints.
• Supervise manufacturing processes across forming, sintering, machining, finishing.
• Manage equipment maintenance, reliability, and capex planning.
• Foster training, safety, and continuous improvement on the plant floor.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical

Cross-functional communication

Manufacturing leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

Job description

Are you a hands-on operations leader who thrives at the intersection of materials science and manufacturing excellence? Are you willing to roll up your sleeves at a small company that is at an inflection point for growth?

Our client, a well-established and growing manufacturer of highly engineered advanced materials for multiple critical, highly regulated industries, is seeking a Vice President of Operations to lead all aspects of manufacturing — from raw material procurement through production, maintenance, and delivery. This is a rare opportunity to join a company with decades of proven technical expertise and a track record of manufacturing precision components at scale, at a pivotal moment as the business expands capacity to meet surging customer demand.

About the Role

What You'll Own

• Raw material planning, procurement, and supplier quality for specialty powders and materials
• Pre-production testing and material validation to ensure every lot meets exacting specifications
• Demand planning and scheduling to balance customer needs, capacity, and material constraints
• Manufacturing process oversight across forming, sintering, machining, and finishing operations
• Equipment maintenance, reliability, and capital investment planning
• Training, safety culture, and continuous improvement across the plant floor

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Advanced Materials, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, or a related technical field (Master's preferred)
• 10–15 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience in technical ceramics, advanced materials, or precision components
• Deep expertise in powder processing, forming, sintering, and finishing operations
• A proven record of improving yield, quality, and operational performance in complex manufacturing environments
• Strong leadership, analytical, and cross-functional communication skills

Why This Role

This company sits at the technical forefront of its niche — producing mission-critical components trusted by demanding industrial customers. You'll report directly to the President & CEO, lead a team of production, procurement, and maintenance professionals, and have a direct hand in shaping the operational backbone of a company entering an exciting growth phase. Location details available to qualified candidates. This search is being conducted on a confidential basis.

Pay range and compensation package

Executive compensation package, salary and bonus

Equal Opportunity Statement

This search is being conducted on a confidential basis.