Strategic Operations Manager Vaco LLC
Phoenix, AZ1 day ago
- $85,000–$100,000 Per Year
GTI is a contract manufacturing partner supporting customers in renewable energy, power generation, infrastructure, and industrial systems.
We fabricate custom designed, purpose-built enclosures and skids for our customers and perform mechanical and electrical integration in-house, delivering a true turn-key product to our customers. Our scope spans Engineering, prototype builds, through full production, requiring teams that can move fast, adapt, and execute with precision.
GTI Values: Safey I Quality I Customer Obsession I Speed I Agility
The Value Stream Manager is responsible for the overall performance of an assigned manufacturing value stream from material release through final shipment. This role provides strategic and operational leadership across multiple manufacturing disciplines, including metal fabrication, welding, mechanical assembly, quality, manufacturing engineering, and production supervision, ensuring alignment with customer demand and business objectives.
This leader will partner closely with Program Management, Supply Chain, Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Planning, and Quality to remove constraints, improve throughput, and execute customer programs on time and at the highest level of quality.
The ideal candidate has extensive leadership experience within contract manufacturing or complex systems manufacturing environments where multiple manufacturing processes are integrated into a finished product.
Responsibilities
Value Stream Leadership
- Own the operational performance of an assigned manufacturing value stream.
- Lead Production Supervisors, Manufacturing Engineers, Quality personnel, and cross-functional manufacturing teams.
- Ensure alignment of production schedules with customer demand and program milestones.
- Drive accountability across Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and People (SQDCP).
- Develop and execute operational strategies that improve throughput, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Manufacturing Operations
Provide leadership across multiple manufacturing disciplines including:
- Metal Fabrication
- Welding Operations
- Mechanical Assembly
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Production Supervision
- Quality Operations
- Material Flow
- Final Assembly
Ensure manufacturing operations are properly staffed, balanced, and executing to production plan.
Program Execution
- Partner with Program Managers to successfully launch and execute customer programs.
- Lead manufacturing readiness activities for new product introductions (NPI).
- Identify manufacturing risks early and implement mitigation plans.
- Ensure customer schedules and contractual delivery commitments are achieved.
- Coordinate engineering changes with manufacturing teams to minimize disruption.
Throughput & Operational Excellence
- Drive manufacturing throughput across the value stream.
- Remove production bottlenecks and improve workflow.
- Balance labor capacity with customer demand.
- Optimize manufacturing flow utilizing Lean Manufacturing principles.
- Improve cycle times while maintaining quality and safety standards.
- Drive capacity planning initiatives supporting company growth.
Continuous Improvement
Lead initiatives focused on:
- Lean Manufacturing
- Value Stream Mapping
- Standard Work
- Kaizen Events
- Visual Management
- Root Cause Analysis
- Waste Elimination
- Process Optimization
- Capacity Improvements
Utilize manufacturing metrics to identify opportunities for sustainable operational improvements.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead and develop Production Supervisors and frontline manufacturing leaders.
- Build high-performing teams focused on accountability and continuous improvement.
- Coach employees through performance management and professional development.
- Foster a culture centered on collaboration, ownership, and operational excellence.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with:
- Program Management
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Design Engineering
- Supply Chain
- Materials Planning
- Production Planning
- Quality
- Maintenance
- Human Resources
- Executive Leadership
to ensure successful execution of customer programs and manufacturing objectives.
Safety & Quality
- Champion a world-class safety culture.
- Ensure compliance with OSHA regulations and company safety standards.
- Partner with Quality to improve first-pass yield and reduce defects.
- Drive corrective actions utilizing structured problem-solving methodologies.
- Promote a culture of operational discipline and continuous improvement.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field preferred.
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.
- 5+ years managing supervisors and cross-functional manufacturing teams.
- Demonstrated experience within Contract Manufacturing (EMS, Industrial, or Engineered-to-Order Manufacturing).
- Experience leading operations involving:
- Mechanical Assembly
- Metal Fabrication
- Welding
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Quality
- High-Volume Manufacturing
- Strong understanding of manufacturing throughput optimization.
- Experience partnering with Program Management on customer-driven manufacturing programs.
- Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing principles.
- ERP/MRP experience (SAP preferred).
- Excellent communication and leadership skills.
Preferred Qualifications
We are particularly interested in leaders who have manufactured complex integrated products such as:
- Modular Data Centers
- Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
- Power Distribution Equipment
- Electrical Enclosures
- Switchgear
- Industrial Equipment
- Energy Infrastructure
- Modular Power Systems
- Engineered Industrial Assemblies
Benefits & Perks
GTI Energy offers a competitive compensation and benefits package designed to support employees and their families while providing long-term career growth opportunities within a fast-growing manufacturing organization. Benefits may include:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match (where applicable)
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays
• Sick time in accordance with state and local requirements
• Company-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Career advancement opportunities within a rapidly growing organization
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing, modular infrastructure, and large-scale industrial projects
• Collaborative, fast-paced environment with strong operational and engineering leadership
• Employee-focused culture centered on safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement
Benefits eligibility and offerings may vary based on position, location, and employment classification.
GTI promotes a diverse and inclusive workforce and is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, marital status, or any other Federal or State legally-protected classes. We also value the safety of all employees and work hard to maintain a Drug Free Workplace.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.
