Vice President of Manufacturing

We are expanding our commercial linear lighting business by bringing manufacturing capabilities in house for the first time. To lead this development, we are appointing a Vice President of Manufacturing who can establish and shape the entire operation.

This position offers the opportunity to create a manufacturing function without inherited systems, existing personnel, or established operating procedures. You will determine how production moves from our current contract manufacturing model into a combined structure that includes both internal production and external manufacturing partners.

From the beginning, you will define how our production, supply chain, inventory, purchasing, and quality functions should operate. You will also help determine the best operating structure for each product while ensuring that internal and outsourced manufacturing activities remain aligned.

Reporting directly to the President, you will hold an influential position within our senior leadership team. You will contribute to major operational decisions and have clear visibility across the wider business.

A significant part of the role will involve deciding which products should be produced internally and which should remain with contract manufacturers. You will also take ownership of the resulting manufacturing costs, margins, supplier relationships, and inventory requirements.

As the function develops, you will recruit the people needed across manufacturing, supply chain, and quality. This is therefore a genuine build opportunity for a leader who is motivated by creating an operation rather than managing an established one.

The position would suit an experienced, hands-on manufacturing executive who has previously led sizeable operations and now wants greater ownership. It offers the freedom to build from a blank page while working closely with the President and contributing directly at leadership level.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations

• Establish appropriate production measurements, including throughput, labour productivity, equipment utilisation, capacity, and lead-time performance.
  
• Take responsibility for the manufacturing budget and ensure that production facilities and equipment are correctly established and maintained.
  
• Direct production control, purchasing, process development, and quality systems across internal manufacturing and external production partners.
  
• Evaluate make-versus-buy options and manage COGS and margin expectations across the full product portfolio.
  
• Match manufacturing capacity with sales forecasts and ensure production remains able to meet required delivery timelines.
  

Supply Chain

• Develop a dependable and commercially competitive supplier network through effective sourcing, procurement, materials planning, and negotiation.
  
• Create contingency plans that protect the operation against disruptions involving critical materials or suppliers.
  
• Design inventory and replenishment approaches that support production while limiting unnecessary investment and carrying costs.
  
• Monitor supplier performance and oversee incoming inspection and corrective action processes.
  

Quality

• Lead root cause investigations and CAPA activities while managing First-Pass Yield, Defect Rate, RMA Rate, COPQ, and Supplier Quality.
  
• Introduce improvements that strengthen product reliability and lower warranty-related expenses.
  
• Ensure finished products consistently satisfy engineering specifications, regulatory obligations, and internal quality expectations.
  

Leadership

• Build and manage the manufacturing, supply chain, and quality teams as the operation grows.
  
• Set functional priorities that support company objectives while working closely with Engineering, Sales, Product, and Finance.
  
• Carry full P&L accountability for the manufacturing function.
  

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical field.
  
• At least 10 years of progressive leadership experience within manufacturing operations.
  
• A strong history of improving efficiency, reducing operating costs, and expanding production capabilities.
  
• Experience overseeing both company-owned manufacturing operations and outsourced or contract manufacturing relationships.
  
• Demonstrated P&L responsibility and experience managing complex supplier networks and supply chains.
  
• Practical knowledge of ERP systems, production planning, inventory control, and quality management systems.
  
• Strong communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders throughout an organisation.
  
• Willingness and ability to travel approximately 25% of the time.
  
• Ability to successfully complete pre-employment background, drug/alcohol, and driving record screening.
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous involvement in establishing a new manufacturing function or production facility from the ground floor.
  
• Experience within electronics or another light-manufacturing or assembly-based environment.
  
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or a recognised continuous improvement methodology.
  
• An MBA or comparable advanced business qualification.
  

Benefits

Package

Base Salary: $150,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• 401(k) with company match up to 4%
  
• Unlimited PTO
  
• Medical, dental, and vision, with 50% of premium covered by the company.
  

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Haldren and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Haldren or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

Commitment to Diversity: Haldren and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Haldren and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

Compliance with Laws: Both Haldren and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Workplace Harassment: Both Haldren and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.

E-Verify Participation: Haldren and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable.

Privacy and Pay Equity:

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at .
  
• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available.
  
• Both Haldren and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws.
  

State-Specific Information:

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
  
• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation.
  
• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed.
  

Veteran Status: Both Haldren and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process.

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Haldren and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Haldren and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law.

Local Laws: Both Haldren and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate.

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Haldren or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.