VP of Operations - Imagine Staffing Technology, An Imagine Company : Job Details

Job Title: VP Operations

Location: Buffalo, NY

Hire Type: Direct Hire

Pay Range: $125,000 - $200,000

Work Model: Onsite

Recruiter Contact: Samantha Marranca

Nature & Scope:

Positional Overview

This role requires a proven leader to oversee all operational aspects of a legacy manufacturing company specializing in metalworking and custom-engineered systems. The Vice President of Operations will focus on driving productivity, enhancing competitiveness, and shaping a positive, results-oriented organizational culture.

The position is hands-on, requiring a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, with a focus on large capital equipment in a job shop environment.

Reporting to the executive leadership and board of directors, the VP will lead strategic initiatives, operational improvements, and workforce development, including:

• Enhancing manufacturing efficiency in fabrication, machining, and packaging.
• Establishing internal meeting cadences to drive execution and accountability.
• Advising on capital investments and leading quarterly board reviews.
• Mentoring employees and fostering opportunities for growth.
• Potential elevation to VP/GM and ownership opportunities upon review.

Role & Responsibility:

Tasks That Will Lead To Your Success

Operational Leadership:

• Oversee all operational aspects of the business, focusing on contract manufacturing and engineered systems.
• Lead the organization in improving manufacturing competitiveness and productivity in areas such as fabrication, machining, and packaging.
• Strategic Planning and Execution:
• Develop and implement a growth plan for sales, workforce, and operational capabilities.
• Recommend and oversee strategic capital investments to enhance operational efficiency and growth.
• Work closely with executive leadership and the board of directors to summarize results, challenges, and opportunities during quarterly meetings.

Organizational Development:

• Mentor and provide growth opportunities for employees, fostering a results-oriented and positive company culture.
• Evaluate and potentially hire manufacturing supervisors and project managers to meet performance and growth demands.

Cultural Leadership:

• Instill confidence and respect within the workforce by being a hands-on leader who leads by example.
• Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and shared financial success.

Collaboration:

• Partner with the CFO to align on financial, administrative, and quality functions.
• Align with cross-functional teams to ensure operational goals are met effectively.
• Performance Monitoring and Reporting:
• Establish and drive internal meeting cadences to ensure focus on execution and results.
• Monitor and analyze operational performance metrics, taking action to address areas of improvement.

Skills & Experience

Qualifications That Will Help You Thrive

Experience:

• 15+ years in the metalworking industry, with at least 5+ years in a job shop environment.
• Experience as a senior leader or general manager at a metalworking company with annual sales between $10–30MM.
• Proven experience in manufacturing and engineering large capital equipment.
• A strong network of industry contacts, including potential new employees and suppliers.
• Experience working with independent boards and outside equity investors is preferred.

Skills:

• Demonstrated manufacturing and operating expertise, with hands-on problem-solving capabilities.
• Strong understanding of metalworking processes and production flow.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, able to earn respect from shop labor, peers, and customers.
• Leadership ability to create a positive, results-oriented culture and instill an ownership mentality in employees.

Personal Characteristics:

• High energy, entrepreneurial mindset with a hands-on, roll-up-the-sleeves mentality.
• Strong integrity, transparency, and decisiveness in decision-making.
• Adaptability and resilience in handling ambiguity and uncertainty.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and openness to feedback.

Strategic Vision:

• Ability to set clear and challenging goals and align the organization toward improved productivity and financial performance.
• Experience balancing broad organizational changes with achievable and realistic implementation plans.
• Capability to synthesize data and recommend strategic capital investments.
• This role demands a dynamic and visionary leader with a track record of success in driving operational excellence and business growth.