VP of Operations

Century International A•West Palm Beach, FL

About The Position

The Vice President of Operations is a senior executive leader responsible for end-to-end operational performance across two-location firearms manufacturing organization in Vermont and Florida with approximately 200 employees. This role provides both strategic and hands-on leadership across manufacturing, quality, distribution, supply chain, facilities, compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure safe, compliant, efficient, and scalable operations. The position requires a proven, results-driven leader with a demonstrated ability to build, scale, and optimize operations from the ground up, including establishing new facilities and implementing comprehensive operational and process infrastructures. The ideal candidate brings an arms manufacturing or similarly regulated manufacturing background with deep experience operating within ATF/BATF regulations, ITAR, and ISO-aligned quality systems, along with full P&L accountability. This leader embodies a “get-it-done” mindset, driving execution through visible, hands-on leadership while fostering a unified, high-performance culture rooted in accountability, innovation, and alignment with organizational values as a key member of the executive leadership team.

Requirements

10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.
Direct experience in firearms manufacturing, defense, or a similarly regulated manufacturing environment is strongly preferred.
Multi-site manufacturing leadership experience required.
Proven experience with new product launches in a regulated environment.
Comprehensive working knowledge of ATF/BATF firearms compliance regulations.
Working knowledge of ITAR and export-controlled manufacturing.
Experience operating within ISO or ISO-aligned quality systems.
Demonstrated success implementing Lean manufacturing, 5S, and Theory of Constraints.
Proven ability to lead culture and process change and sustain continuous improvement.
Exceptional general management capability, including strong time management, execution discipline, and attention to detail.
Excellent communication, negotiation, and teaching skills.
High integrity, accountability, professionalism, and performance standards for self and others.

Responsibilities

Partner closely with the CEO and Executive Leadership Team to establish and execute company-wide strategic initiatives, goals, and operational objectives.
Translate business strategy into executable operational plans that drive growth, productivity, compliance, and profitability.
Evaluate and support strategic growth opportunities, including capacity expansion, new product development, and new product launches.
Serve as a visible, hands-on leader across both manufacturing locations.
Lead and oversee plant-wide and enterprise operations, including: Manufacturing & Assembly Quality & Compliance Supply Chain & Distribution Facilities & Maintenance Lean / Continuous Improvement
Ensure consistent operational standards, KPIs, and performance expectations across Vermont and Florida locations.
Provide direct leadership, coaching, and accountability to senior operations leaders.
Maintain overall responsibility for manufacturing performance, quality, on-time delivery, inventory control, and profitability.
Oversee the Quality Management System, ensuring compliance with: ATF/BATF firearms manufacturing regulations ISO or ISO-aligned standards applicable to the company
Ensure audit readiness and successful outcomes for regulatory and quality audits.
Demonstrate and enforce a strong culture of firearms safety, operational discipline, and regulatory compliance.
Protect company value by safeguarding confidential information, proprietary processes, and trade secrets.
Provide executive oversight of distribution, warehousing, logistics, and inventory management.
Ensure secure, compliant handling of firearms and regulated inventory.
Reduce overall inventory levels and work-in-process (WIP) while maintaining service levels and production flow.
Improve inventory accuracy, turns, and order fulfillment performance.
Oversee facilities and maintenance operations across both locations.
Ensure equipment reliability, preventive maintenance discipline, and infrastructure readiness.
Drive workplace safety, PPE compliance, and plant organization standards.
Ensure rapid escalation and resolution of safety, maintenance, and operational risks.
Hold full P&L responsibility for Operations.
Partner with the CFO to develop the annual operating and capital budgets for CEO approval.
Manage the operations budget, including final approval authority for operating expenditures.
Prepare and present capital investment plans, ROI analyses, and capacity forecasts.
Identify and implement cost-reduction opportunities without compromising quality, safety, or compliance.
Lead the implementation and sustainment of Lean manufacturing practices, including 5S and Theory of Constraints.
Identify key areas of operational improvement and productivity enhancement.
Establish and monitor KPIs, dashboards, and accountability mechanisms.
Foster a culture of continuous improvement across all operational functions.
Build, develop, and mentor high-performing operations leadership teams.
Develop current and future operational leaders and succession pipelines.
Set clear goals with departmental leaders, ensuring accountability, follow-up, and performance management.
Model professionalism, integrity, and effective communication at all levels of the organization.