VP, Operations

Sanders Industries Holdings•Long Beach, CA

13h•Onsite

About The Position

Rubbercraft (RCC) is seeking a VP of Operations with strong aerospace manufacturing experience, ideally in a high-mix, low- to mid-volume build-to-spec and build-to-print environment focused on engineered polymer components. This role will lead the operations team into the next phase of process improvement and sustained business performance. RCC is not a turnaround operation. The ideal candidate is resilient, dynamic, and data-driven, with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, growing organization. This individual will work within high-performing, independent teams that leverage collaborative tools such as Microsoft Teams, live reporting, and Salesforce. The VP of Operations oversees all company operations across all shifts, ensuring safety and compliance, employee and customer satisfaction, and consistent operational and financial performance on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis. This role is responsible for establishing a high-performance culture and implementing structured processes and automation to improve labor, equipment, and material efficiency. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): People Satisfaction and Development (Culture), Safety, Quality, Delivery, Productivity, Revenue & Gross Margin Realization. The position also leads planning and execution of CaPEX and OPEX initiatives and champions our ACE values—Accountability, Collaboration, and Empowerment—to drive GST (Get Stuff Done), Dream Big, and Have Fun. ABOUT RUBBERCRAFT: RUBBERCRAFT IS A TRUSTED LEADER IN ENGINEERED ELASTOMER SOLUTIONS SERVING AEROSPACE, DEFENSE, AND INDUSTRIAL MARKETS. OUR TEAM DESIGNS AND MANUFACTURES PRECISION-MOLDED SEALS, GASKETS, AND CUSTOM RUBBER COMPONENTS THAT PERFORM IN THE MOST DEMANDING ENVIRONMENTS. WE TAKE PRIDE IN CRAFTSMANSHIP, COLLABORATION, AND A CULTURE BUILT ON INNOVATION AND RELIABILITY.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, or related field (Master’s preferred)
15+ years of leadership experience in aerospace manufacturing
Strong knowledge of manufacturing, design, and inspection concepts
Lean manufacturing expertise (Kanban, VSM, Standard Work, etc.)
Experience with quality systems (SPC, Control Plans) and planning tools (SIOP)
Strong data analysis skills (Excel, ERP systems)
Ability to read aerospace blueprints/specifications (Boeing, Lockheed, etc.)
Experience with automation, PLCs, and robotics
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills
Proven ability to drive change and deliver measurable results
Comfortable working in collaborative, fast-paced environments

Nice To Haves

Experience with rubber/silicone materials and processes preferred

Responsibilities

Lead EHS compliance strategies; ensure OSHA and environmental compliance
Drive a culture of built-in quality; support 5S and FOD compliance
Own production planning, capacity planning, and budget delivery aligned to EBITDA targets
Manage headcount, labor hours, and productivity targets
Lead lean transformation initiatives (Kaizen, standardized work, one-piece flow, Kanban)
Implement visual management systems and KPI dashboards
Provide strategic leadership and operational decision-making with strong cost/benefit analysis
Oversee budgets, schedules, and performance objectives
Ensure equipment reliability and achieve OEE targets
Develop and execute CAPEX plans and operational strategies
Partner cross-functionally (engineering, sales, finance, HR, quality)
Lead hiring, performance management, and employee relations
Identify root causes, drive corrective actions, and improve workflows
Conduct team meetings and ensure policy/process adherence

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Paid vacation
401(k) with employer match
Life and disability insurance
And more
Medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, and other developmental opportunities

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