VP Manufacturing

Zebra Technologies; Austin (TX); Hybrid; USD 231,360 - 347,040; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Competitive pay and incentives

Total rewards program

Job summary

Zebra Technologies is seeking an accomplished executive to lead its global manufacturing of barcode, RFID, and sensor media offerings. The role shapes strategies across internal plants and external partners, ensuring quality, cost control, and scalable capacity.

You will collaborate with R&D and product teams to evolve materials and manufacturing capabilities, and drive automation across the network. The position emphasizes leadership across regions, coupling operational excellence with

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, or related field.
• 15+ years of progressive leadership in global manufacturing and operations.
• 7+ years in Senior Executive role managing multi-site, international facilities.
• Proven leadership in global technology manufacturing including hardware and materials.
• Proven track record managing large-scale P&L and capital budgets.
• Extensive experience negotiating with contract manufacturers and global suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute global manufacturing strategies across internal plants and external partners.
• Lead a multi-regional production network to support growth, quality, and customer expectations.
• Oversee media manufacturing cost, margins, throughput, and capital investments.
• Drive continuous improvement programs to boost productivity and reduce scrap.
• Set and manage KPIs for operational excellence and quality governance.

Skills

Global manufacturing leadership

Cross-functional leadership

Strategic planning

Operations excellence

Digital & AI in manufacturing

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering

Master’s Degree or MBA (preferred)

Job description

Overview:

At Zebra, we are a community of innovators who come together to create new ways of working. United by curiosity and a culture of caring, we develop smart solutions that anticipate our customer’s and partner’s needs and solve their challenges.

Being part of Zebra Nation means you are seen, heard, valued, and respected. Drawing from our unique perspectives, we collaborate to deliver on our purpose. Here you are part of a team pushing boundaries today to redefine the work of tomorrow for organizations, their employees, and those they serve.

You’ll have opportunities to learn and lead in a forward-thinking environment, defining your path to a fulfilling career while channeling your skills toward causes you care about—locally and globally.

Come make an impact every day at Zebra.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking a highly experienced executive to lead Zebra’s Global manufacturing of barcode, wristband, RFID and sensor media offerings. This executive will lead worldwide strategies across operations and drive an innovative manufacturing roadmap to meet customer requirements. In addition, this individual will ensure a robust supplier network to deliver quality, reliability, and performance that differentiates Zebra in the marketplace.

• Global Manufacturing Leadership
• Develop and execute global manufacturing strategies across internal plants and external partners, including outsource vs insource recommendations.
• Lead a multi-regional production network that supports Zebra’s growth, quality standards, and customer expectations.
• Drive long-range planning for capacity, optimization, automation and sustainability.
• Operational Excellence
• Ownership of media manufacturing, including cost, margin, throughput, and capital investments.
• Champion continuous improvement programs to improve productivity, reduce scrap and drive operational efficiencies.
• Ensure high operational performance across all Zebra facilities and contract manufacturers.
• Set and manage KPIs across the organization for operational success and consistency.
• Quality, Compliance :
• Oversee global quality governance and compliance to industry standards including GS1, ISO and industry specific standards.
• Maintain and enhance Zebra’s reputation for delivering robust, high-performance offerings through rigorous quality systems and supplier oversight.
• Technology, Automation and Innovations
• Lead the manufacturing roadmap across thermal printing compatibility, RFID and sensor converting, linerless technologies and sustainable materials.
• Partner with R&D and Product Management teams to commercialize new materials and manufacturing capabilities to meet customer requirement as well as maintain manufacturing excellence within current offerings.
• Champion automation and inspection technologies across the global network to have highly efficient and best in class offerings.
• Champion manufacturing intellectual property and trade secret opportunities across the manufacturing operations.
• Identify and leverage AI initiatives to drive manufacturing efficiencies, training, etc.
• Cross Functional Collaboration and Communication
• Strong communication and collaboration skills working closely with product management, R&D and sales teams to align manufacturing capabilities with customer and strategic roadmaps.
• Ability to translate customer insights into scalable, manufacturable solutions.
• Leadership & Talent Development
• Build and mentor a high performing global operations leadership team.
• Develop talent pipelines across teams to ensure a strong bench strength across the organization.
• Foster a culture of safety, accountability, innovation and continuous improvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering(Mechanical, Electrical, or Industrial), Manufacturing Supply Chain, or related technical field.

15+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing and operations management on a global scale.

7+ years in Senior Executive role (VP or Sr. Director) managing Multi-Site, international manufacturing facilities (e.g. The Americas, EMEA, APAC)

Proven leadership in global technology manufacturing, encompassing both hardware devices and specialized materials.

Proven track record of managing large-scale P & L and capital budgets.

Extensive experience managing and negotiating with contract manufacturers and global suppliers.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s Degree or MBA is highly preferred.

Technical and Leadership Competencies:

Methodologies: Master Black Belt or advanced certification in Lean/Six Sigma preferred.

Crisis Leadership: Demonstrated ability to navigate complex global supply chain constraints and drive operational resilience.

Talent Development: Strong background in executive assessment, coaching, and building bench strength within a functional talent strategy.

Business Acumen: Ability to translate external market intelligence and industry benchmarking into actionable manufacturing strategies.

Global Mindset: High degree of cultural awareness and experience adapting leadership styles to diverse international teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Zebra is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability and protected veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by law. If you are an individual with a disability and need assistance in applying for a position, please contact us at [e-mail].

Know Your Rights:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/EEOC_KnowYourRights_screen_reader_10_20.pdf

Conozca sus Derechos:

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2022-10/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRightsSp_10_20.pdf

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at [e-mail] .

Pay Range:

$231,360.00 - $347,040.00 Annual

Incentive Compensation:

In addition to base pay, Zebra offers this role the opportunity to earn a performance-based annual cash incentive, at a target equal to 35% of base pay, in accordance with the terms of the applicable incentive plan.

Zebra Total Rewards:

Zebra Total Rewards includes more than just pay and is structured to meet the needs of our changing global business and evolving talent. We are committed to providing our employees with a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive – including healthcare, wellness, inclusion networks, and continued learning and development offerings. We offer community service days, in addition to the traditional insurances, compensation, parental leave, employee assistance program and paid time off offerings depending on the country where you work.

Salary offered will vary depending on your location, job-related skills, knowledge, and experience.

Additionally, all Zebra roles are eligible for cash incentive programs. For example, sales roles have additional opportunity to earn substantial variable compensation tied to quota achievement. In most other roles, the Zebra annual cash incentive program links Company and individual performance together. Some roles may also be eligible for long-term incentive equity awards.

Benefits:

We understand the importance of work-life balance and wellbeing, which is why we offer flexibility for our teams including: hybrid work, adaptable hours, Summer Flex Fridays, Focus Fridays, and an annual companywide well-being day to promote revitalization and success.

AI Technology Statement:

Zebra Technologies leverages AI technology to evaluate job applications using objective, job-relevant criteria. This approach enhances efficiency and promotes fairness in the hiring process. However, every decision regarding interviews and hiring is made by our dedicated team, because we believe people make the best decisions about people. For more on how we use technology in hiring and how we process applicant data, see our Zebra Privacy Policy (https://www.zebra.com/us/en/about-zebra/company-information/legal/privacy-statement.html) .