BSG Executive Search Blog

[Closed Search] VP of Manufacturing at a Specialty Steel Manufacturer

Written by Clark Waterfall | Jun 26, 2014 3:29:07 PM

THE COMPANY

The Company, headquartered in Pennsylvania, is the largest independent producer of value-added carbon and alloy wire in North America. Since the early 20th century, the company has been a pioneer in the industry and focuses on segments where metallurgical quality is a differentiating factor. The Company is recognized as a global leader and has industry leading positions as its customers consist of the world’s top fastener, construction and utility companies.

THE CANDIDATE PROFILE

INDUSTRY experience in a middle-market manufacturing company focused on metals processing
applications, ideally in one of the following industrial sectors:

  • Fastener Industry
  • Automotive Tier One and Two Manufacturers
  • Capital Goods
  • Construction Equipment
  • Capital/maintenance intensive process production environments

FUNCTIONAL Prior Success

  • Proven track record in building out a world class manufacturing operation within a middle market manufacturing company, ideally within one of the following sectors: fastener, capital goods or automotive or any capital/maintenance intensive process production environment.
  • Skilled in managing unionized workforce through operational excellence and change management processes.
  • Leading and implementing a certified and comprehensive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement program
  • Serving as top manufacturing executive for company interacting with peers in sales, finance and related operational areas
  • Design, operation and improvement of all manufacturing processes
  • Experience in managing through subordinate managers core manufacturing functions
  • Directing and implementing production schedule, work in process, tracking, material and labor variance controls and manufacturing performance reporting.
  • Has lead or successfully directed operational aspects of implementation of an ERP systems implement and has detailed knowledge of ERP resident processes.
  • Responsibility for ensuring all production objectives are met in the areas of quality, schedule and budgeting.
  • Implementing a program of wholesale cultural change related to product quality, as well as compliance with all relevant regulations concerning safety and environmental issues related to manufacturing
  • Ability to serve as Safety Champion for the company

EDUCATION

  • BS or BA in a technical discipline, ideally engineering
  • Six Sigma Black Belt (desirable)
  • APICS, CPIM certification (desirable)

STAGE of Company Experience

  • Well established but poised for further growth due to increased industry demand

MANAGEMENT & Leadership Experience

  • Serving as top manufacturing executive in a middle market company reporting to a CEO or COO
  • Experience leading subordinate managers
  • Success in recruiting, developing, mentoring and coaching A players

GENERAL

Finally, this individual should have as many as possible of the traits required to succeed in this leadership position:

  • High levels of intelligence and analytical strength
  • Strong business acumen including the ability to understand and commit to financial metrics
  • Decisiveness when necessary, coupled with a willingness to seek input and build consensus as much as possible.
  • A very high level of energy, sense of urgency and commitment, combined with enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
  • Excellent writing and speaking skills; this individual must be able to communicate complex ideas and information clearly and concisely to a diverse audience
  • Outstanding planning and organization skills.
  • In general, the business and personal skills, and the absolute commitment, required to make a major contribution to The Company during the coming years.

FINANCIAL BACKING

This company is backed by a growing private equity firm.

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