Vice President, Engineering

Oatey • Cleveland, OH

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Vice President (VP), Engineering, has the opportunity to shape the future of our company’s product innovation, quality standards, and value engineering while truly making a difference. Reporting directly to the COO, this position plays a pivotal role in defining and executing the strategy that will ensure our products continue to meet the highest standards of excellence while optimizing efficiency and cost across our engineering and quality functions. This role is at the helm of driving strategic initiatives that align with our long-term business objectives, delivering both top-tier product performance and enhanced profitability. This position requires a results-driven leader with a deep technical foundation, proven executive experience, and the ability to inspire teams to achieve ambitious goals. In a dynamic, forward-thinking environment, this position can make a measurable impact, and has the opportunity to lead and innovate at the highest level.

Requirements

• Minimum of 15 years of experience in engineering, or related fields, with at least 10 years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience leading and optimizing engineering functions in a complex manufacturing environment; experience working closely with quality functions is preferred.
• Demonstrated success in driving cost optimization and value engineering initiatives that deliver measurable results.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to influence and collaborate at all levels of the organization.
• Exceptional leadership and decision-making skills, with the ability to drive strategic initiatives across engineering, quality, and value engineering functions.
• SAP experience preferred.
• Ability to travel up to 25% to support key operations and corporate initiatives.
• Bachelor of Science degree in engineering, chemistry, or a related field, or relevant equivalent experience in lieu of degree required

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree preferred

Responsibilities

• As the leader overseeing the Engineering function, the VP will set the strategic direction for engineering, ensuring the development of innovative products that align with market demand and corporate objectives.
• The role focuses on optimizing engineering resources and promoting collaboration across the business as well as new product development.
• Define and implement the strategic vision for the company’s engineering function, ensuring alignment with business goals and market opportunities.
• Lead product development initiatives that drive innovation and meet cost, quality, and performance standards, while ensuring timely market delivery.
• Ensure efficient use of engineering resources across the company, establishing clear roles and responsibilities aligned with strategic priorities.
• Promote the use of cutting-edge engineering technologies to enhance innovation, streamline processes, and reduce costs.
• Collaborate with senior leadership across product management, sales, marketing, manufacturing & HR to ensure engineering solutions align with market demands and customer needs.
• Build and sustain a high performing engineering organization through intentional focus on talent development, engagement, and retention, in partnership with HR.
• Strategically assess and mitigate risks related to engineering, including technological and regulatory risks, and product lifecycle management.
• Help define the company’s quality strategy, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure that all products comply with relevant industry regulations and certifications, proactively managing risks.
• Foster collaboration across teams, ensuring that quality processes are integrated across the supply chain to maintain product consistency.
• Help develop a value engineering strategy that achieves cost reductions while maintaining product performance and quality.
• Collaborate with sourcing, supply chain, and operations teams to implement cost-saving initiatives in alignment with business objectives.
• Drive profitability by identifying opportunities for product redesign, material improvements, and process enhancements.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off programs and paid company holidays to support flexibility and work-life balance
• Annual Discretionary Cash Profit Sharing
• Immediate eligibility and vesting in 401(k), including 100% company match, up to 5% of eligible compensation
• Market leading health insurance including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance offerings for associates and qualified dependents
• Significant company contribution to Health Savings Account with a High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability income protection coverage at no cost to associates
• Paid Maternity and Paid Parental Leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• A strong set of complementary resources to support associate well-being, including resource groups, EAP, and dedicated mental health support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 501-1,000 employees