Vice President of Manufacturing

Reports to: CEODepartment: ManufacturingFLSA Classification: ExemptTravel: Up to 25%JOB SUMMARY:The Vice President of Manufacturing provides strategic and operational leadership across all Vibrant Works manufacturing sites. This role drives production excellence, quality, safety, cost performance, and scalable growth while advancing Vibrant Works' mission as an AbilityOne-participating organization. The VP ensures disciplined production planning, strong internal controls, and continuous improvement across all facilities, while fostering an inclusive workforce that supports employment and advancement opportunities for individuals who are visually impaired. The position maintains full accountability for manufacturing performance, operational efficiency, and alignment of output with organizational goals, financial targets, and mission impact.JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Strategic & Operational LeadershipDevelop and execute manufacturing strategies aligned with Vibrant Works' mission, growth plans, and operational imperativesTranslate organizational strategy into actionable production goals, operational plans, and performance targetsLead multi-site manufacturing operations with a focus on scalability, capacity planning, and continuous improvementEvaluate opportunities for automation, modernization, and capability expansionSupport new product introduction, operational readiness, and cross-functional planning with Supply Chain, Procurement, and FinanceChampion Vibrant Works' values and foster an inclusive, mission-driven cultureManufacturing Operations & Process OptimizationOversee daily production operations to ensure efficiency, quality, safety, and on-time deliveryEstablish and enforce standardized operating procedures, production workflows, and equipment maintenance programsOptimize staffing models, labor utilization, scheduling, and throughput to maximize productivityImplement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement practices to reduce waste, rework, and variabilityMonitor KPIs, conduct root cause analyses, and drive corrective action plansEnsure facilities meet ISO, Aerospace, and regulatory standards across all locationsFinancial Management & Performance OptimizationOwn manufacturing P&L performance, cost structure, and operational budgetsForecast production needs, cost targets, labor requirements, and resource planningDrive cost-reduction strategies without compromising quality or mission commitmentsMonitor capacity utilization, cost per unit, margin drivers, and productivity metricsOversee capital investment planning, ROI evaluation, and financial justification for operational initiativesPartner with Finance to ensure accurate cost accounting, inventory valuation, and margin reportingQuality, Safety, Compliance & Risk ManagementEnsure a safe, compliant, and audit-ready manufacturing environment across all locationsOversee quality systems, inspections, certifications, and corrective action processesMaintain compliance with federal contracting and AbilityOne Program requirements, including labor-hour ratios and documentationLead risk mitigation strategies, operational controls, and internal audit remediationPartner with HR and Compliance to ensure adherence to accessibility, labor, and safety standardsPeople Leadership, Workforce Development & Mission ImpactLead, coach, and develop plant managers, supervisors, and production teamsBuild leadership succession plans and high-performance teams across manufacturing operationsPromote inclusive workforce practices and ensure accommodations for employees who are visually impairedCollaborate with Mission Services and HR to build training programs, advancement pathways, and developmental opportunitiesDrive employee engagement, retention, and accountabilityEnsure balanced alignment between operational output and Vibrant Works' mission to create meaningful employment opportunitiesDemonstrate and embodies our values: Be Limitless, Be Resilient, Be People Centered, Be a Team, and Be TrustworthyEDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, or related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred10–15+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing or operationsProven success managing multi-site manufacturing operationsExperience with federal contracting and/or AbilityOne Program preferredDemonstrated success leading inclusive workforces, including individuals with disabilitiesSKILLS/ABILITIES:Strong operational and manufacturing leadership expertiseFinancial acumen with cost control and P&L ownershipLean manufacturing and continuous improvement expertiseCommitment to accessibility, inclusion, and mission-driven employmentKnowledge of AbilityOne Program requirements and compliance standardsData-driven decision-makingStrong leadership, communication, and change management skillsPHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:Ability to work in a production and manufacturing environment as neededAbility to stand, walk, or move through facilities for extended periodsAbility to lift up to 25 lbs occasionallyAbility to use standard office and manufacturing equipmentThis job description does not imply these are the only duties to be performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operations of the Division/Department upon request by his/her supervisor.Please note: Under the AbilityOne Program, Vibrant Works gives hiring preference to individuals who are legally blind. Any decision to disclose a disability by an applicant related to the hiring preference is completely voluntary. Requesting such information is also a part of our affirmative action efforts. Information that is disclosed will remain confidential. Also, your decision not to disclose disability status will not have a negative impact in the hiring process.Vibrant Works is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, creed, color, national origin, honorably discharged veteran or military status, the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability, the use of a dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.#J-18808-Ljbffr