Vice President Operations (m/f/d) - North America

Departer • Chicago, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Departer is an international executive search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment, specializing in placing executives in medium-sized companies and private equity portfolio businesses worldwide. The client is a globally active, European-headquartered engineering company focused on advanced manufacturing and industrial automation solutions for the aerospace sector and adjacent high-precision industrial applications. As Vice President of Operations, North America, this role serves as the senior operational leader of the company’s U.S. business, reporting directly to the North American CEO. The position involves driving operational excellence across supply chain management, project management, assembly and production, quality, and safety, ensuring the seamless execution of complex customer projects. This role requires a hands-on leader with strong expertise in automation, machine assembly, and OEM environments, playing a key role in optimizing supply chain performance, reducing bottlenecks, strengthening supplier networks, and translating strategic priorities into measurable operational results. In close partnership with the CEO, the VP will help shape a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and reliable execution across a strategically important market.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related technical discipline
• Extensive leadership experience in aerospace, automation, capital equipment, or advanced manufacturing
• Proven success in leading operations within complex, project-driven, highly customized industrial environments
• Strong expertise in supply chain management, procurement, supplier development, and operational performance management
• Demonstrated experience with KPIs, budgets, and cross-functional leadership
• Hands-on leadership style with strong execution skills and the ability to work effectively from shop floor to executive level
• Entrepreneurial mindset, strong people leadership skills, and a passion for advanced industrial systems
• Willingness to travel approximately 20 to 25 percent domestically and internationally
• Excellent written and spoken English

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree or MBA preferred
• Experience collaborating with or working within European engineering or manufacturing environments is a strong advantage

Responsibilities

• Leading day-to-day operations across supply chain, assembly/production, project management, quality, and safety
• Ensuring complex customer projects are delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest quality standards
• Driving procurement strategy, supplier development, and vendor qualification to improve supply chain performance and reduce lead times
• Translating strategic priorities into measurable operational plans and scalable processes
• Partnering closely with sales and business development to align operational capabilities with customer requirements
• Driving KPI-based performance, cost optimization, and margin improvement
• Building, mentoring, and developing a high-performing operations team
• Fostering a hands-on culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Ensuring compliance with U.S. regulatory requirements and proactively mitigating operational risks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Executive
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees