VP of Manufacturing Operations

Washington Mills•North Grafton, MA

5d•$150,000 - $250,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Washington Mills is seeking a skilled VP of Manufacturing Operations to lead on-site in Grafton, MA. This role is for a passionate operations manager with experience in heavy industry or continual process flow manufacturing, who has experience as a plant manager and leading multi-site operations, or is ready for the challenge. The ideal candidate practices safety excellence, continuous improvement, leads by example, has or seeks multi-site management experience, is relentless on follow-up, and possesses proven excellent leadership skills. This is an opportunity to work for a high-integrity family manufacturing business, with potential C-suite experience and a drive for success. Washington Mills, founded over 150 years ago, is a trusted producer of abrasive, ceramic, and refractory materials, known for quality and consistency. The company values respect for employees, customers, suppliers, and the environment, fostering a community of problem solvers and innovators. With manufacturing sites across North America and Europe, Washington Mills offers opportunities for creativity and challenge in manufacturing leadership.

Requirements

Bachelors’ Degree in Engineering, Business, Operations
15+ years of experience in the manufacturing industry, with demonstrated experience and success in the role of operations
Strong interpersonal communication skills – verbal/written
Excellent computer skills, understanding of plant floor PLC systems, automation experience, ERP/MRP/PM platforms
Experience and training in Lean Manufacturing methodology and systems
Demonstrated ability to build rapport, develop and motivate teams and deliver results
Self-disciplined, self-motivated, curious, detail-oriented, determined, diligent, unflappable
Materials, mechanical, industrial, and manufacturing background
Loves problem solving and not deterred by challenges
Lead and manage within a framework that adheres to standard work and understanding of the methodology of the management of change
High performer, quick study, excellent cognitive skills
Organized, efficient and comfortable managing a wide variety of non-routine tasks
Passionate about leading the next generation of manufacturing in North America and driven to make a lasting and positive impact on the organization

Nice To Haves

Multi-site management experience
Experience in the C suite
Experience in material science, particle engineering, metallurgy, mechanical engineering or other aspects related to heavy industry or continual process flow manufacturing

Responsibilities

Drive a lead with safety culture by working closely with the plant EHS managers
Closely manage and control operating costs at each plant
Work closely with cross-functional teams of Finance, HR, Sales, Purchasing to delight our customers through delivering manufacturing excellence
Manage plant managers and work closely with them to maximize yields, improve throughput, reduce downtime, uphold quality and keep the operations running smoothly
Evaluate and prioritize capital expenditure needs or opportunities at each plant, including analysis of returns and payback period.
Work with finance to create a capex budget and justification for projects
Work closely with plant accountants to analyze monthly P&L results at each plant
Oversee personnel issues at the plants. Interview and hire employees, oversee manpower levels, work schedules and overtime.
Work with plant managers and HR Director on succession planning
Scope, plan, and execute new manufacturing engineering projects with the team and manage them to ensure timely completion within budget
Create and sustain a culture of continuous improvement aimed at creating new solutions to increase plant efficiency and customer satisfaction
Stay informed on production planning to ensure that production at each plant is moving according to changes in sales and inventory
Oversee overall inventory levels across the plants and coordinate with purchasing, sales, and finance to manage inventory at acceptable levels
Collaborate between sales and R&D on development and manufacturing of new products
Work closely with maintenance and process engineers to study and improve the plants’ mechanical systems
Maintain key external vendor and business relationships
Set and maintain standards, policies, audits, KPI’s and ways of work that manage within a standardized operational system
Ensuring systems and ways of work follow standardized operating procedures and changes are made in accordance with management of change protocols
Lead by example and spend time on the manufacturing floor
Work with management team on special projects, initiatives, business strategy and decision making