Chief Operating Officer

Responsibilities

Position Summary

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for the overall operational management of WITTENSTEIN Region Americas: procurement, production, logistics, quality, operational excellence and facility management. This position ensures that economic and strategic goals are achieved. In this dual role, the COO combines corporate responsibility with plant management (P&L responsibility). The role drives performance, builds a culture of accountability and customer focus and ensures compliance with all safety-, environmental-, and regulatory- requirements.

Reports To

CEO North America / Head of Region Americas with dotted line to Managing Director Walpha in German headquarters (Matrix organization)

Position Responsibilities

Leadership & Culture

• Leadership of overall operational Management of Region Americas: procurement, production, logistics, quality, operational excellence, facility management (50+ employees)
• shaping the strategic direction and long-term success of Region Americas
• Create a high-performance environment with clear expectations, data-driven decision-making, and a strong results orientation (KPIs)
• Ensure customer focus is embedded in all business processes and decisions, driving customer satisfaction, loyalty, and long-term partnerships

Operations Management

• Define and execute production strategies, processes, and systems to drive long-term technological advancement, operational efficiency, and scalability (e.g., ERP implementation, factory expansion, new value streams)
• Ensure operational excellence across safety, quality, cost (manufacturing cost, productivity), and delivery performance (lead time, reliability)
• Review and approve plans for production output, budgets, labor/material efficiency, asset utilization, maintenance, and order processing effectiveness
• Monitor and continuously improve KPIs (OTIF, scrap, productivity, safety, inventory, manufacturing cost)
• Align site operations with corporate standards within a global matrix structure
• Plan and approve capital investments, workforce capacity, technologies, and facility requirements in coordination with corporate functions
• Ensure compliance with all policies, regulatory requirements, and safety standards

Supply Chain Management

• Develop and execute end-to-end supply chain strategies aligned with business goals, focusing on responsiveness, flexibility, and cost efficiency in a high-mix/low-volume environment
• Monitor and improve supply chain KPIs (inventory turns, forecast accuracy, OTIF, lead times, backlog)
• Drive logistics optimization, including warehousing, transportation, and distribution performance
• Ensure alignment and integration with global supply chain standards and systems from headquarters

Procurement

• Steer supplier selection, development, and performance management, including strategic partnerships and risk mitigation
• Steer cost reduction initiatives (e.g., negotiations, global sourcing) while maintaining required quality and delivery standards
• Monitor procurement KPIs (cost savings, supplier performance, on-time delivery, quality) and report results to executive leadership (US and Germany)

Quality Management

• Establish robust quality management system (QMS) aligned with corporate and regulatory requirements
• Ensure product and process quality
• Monitor and improve quality KPIs (scrap, rework, customer complaints, internal/external PPM)
• Foster a culture of quality excellence and accountability throughout the organization
• Coordinate with customers and headquarters on quality issues, certifications, and compliance standards

Safety (EHS)

• Ensure full compliance with all health, safety, and environmental regulations and corporate policies
• Develop and promote a proactive safety culture focused on prevention, awareness, and accountability at all organizational levels
• Establish and monitor safety KPIs (incident rates, near-misses, corrective actions)
• Integrate safety considerations into all operational and continuous improvement activities

Facility Management

• Oversee building projects, maintenance, infrastructure, and utilities
• Drive factory layout optimization and expansion for manufacturing and logistics capabilities
• Manage facility services including maintenance, repair, security, and energy efficiency programs

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of successful leadership experience in Operations Management and/or Engineering Management within a high-precision manufacturing environment
• Experience working in quality-driven manufacturing environments is highly preferred
• Experience working in a dual role (e.g. COO & Plant Manager is highly preferred
• Proven ability to achieve exceptional performance in On-Time Delivery, Quality, Labor Efficiency, Profitability, Expense Control, Shop Floor Organization (5S), and Process Improvement (e.g., value stream analysis and design)
• Strong knowledge of all aspects of Operations Management, including Machining, Assembly, Purchasing, Quality Assurance, Logistics, Systems Assembly, Facility Management, and Planning
• Deep understanding of Lean methodologies, best practices, and factory automation technologies
• Solid knowledge of OSHA safety regulations and workplace safety practices
• Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, cost control, capital investment planning, and P&L responsibility
• Experience with ERP systems (SAP required)
• Experience with S&OP processes, demand planning, and supply chain optimization in high-mix/low-volume environments
• Intercultural competence and experience working within a global matrix organization, preferably with a German parent company
• Strong experience with ISO 9001 and quality management systems
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance requirements, including product compliance, export control (e.g., ITAR/EAR), and relevant international standards
• Experience driving organizational change, cultural transformation, and continuous improvement initiatives Willingness and ability to travel internationally as required

Benefits

• Great Place To Work Certified

• Competitive Base Salary

• Bonus Incentive Plan

• Excellent Health Benefits

• Monthly medical premiums 50% to 75% below market

• Annual deductible & copays below market

• Higher % of medical coverage than market

• No monthly dental and vision premiums

• Annual profit-sharing opportunity up to 5%

• Matching 401(k) contribution

• Wellness reimbursement (50% up to $500/year)

• Wellness rewards redeemed for gift cards

• Short-Term Disability Insurance & Long-Term Disability Insurance

• Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance

• Life Insurance

• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical and Dependent Care)

• Tuition Reimbursement

Note: WITTENSTEIN is not accepting applicants from external recruiters for this position.

About WITTENSTEIN:

Committed to being a world-class partner of intelligent mechatronic drive technology, servo systems, and medical components, WITTENSTEIN uses the power of science, innovation, and forward-thinking engineering to provide you cutting-edge technology for motion. Since pioneering the alpha servo planetary gear reducer in 1983, support and motion requirements from the market have continued to change and WITTENSTEIN is well positioned to deliver reliable products and services to its customers and partners.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or other status protected by applicable law. WITTENSTEIN is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer: Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran.

#wittenstein