Vice President of Operations

­­­­Department: Operations

FLSA Status: Exempt

Job Status: Full Time

Reports To: Brad Smith

Summary/Objective

The Vice President of Operations is responsible for providing strategic and operational leadership across Freedom Waterworks’ manufacturing, fabrication, warehouse, logistics, and related operational functions. This position ensures operations are performed safely, efficiently, and consistently while meeting customer commitments, quality standards, financial objectives, and company goals. The VP of Operations leads operational managers, establishes performance expectations and accountability, and drives continuous improvement initiatives that support the continued growth and scalability of Freedom Waterworks.

The VP of Operations is responsible for strengthening operational processes and developing scalable systems throughout the organization. This position partners closely with executive leadership and Human Resources on organizational planning, workforce needs, leadership development, and succession planning while building a strong culture of safety, accountability, reliability, and operational excellence.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for manufacturing, fabrication, warehouse, logistics, purchasing and other assigned operational functions.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support company growth, profitability, customer service, and long-term business objectives.
• Lead, coach, develop, and hold accountable operational managers and department leaders.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators related to safety, quality, productivity, labor utilization, cost, capacity, throughput, and on-time delivery.
• Oversee operational budgets, labor costs, expenses, productivity, and overall financial performance of assigned operational functions.
• Partner with Finance to evaluate budgets, forecasts, operational costs, margins, capital expenditures, and opportunities to improve profitability.
• Evaluate production capacity, staffing, equipment utilization, workflow, and facility requirements to ensure resources are aligned with business needs.
• Identify operational risks, constraints, and inefficiencies and implement corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop, standardize, and maintain operational processes, SOPs, controls, and performance expectations across departments.
• Ensure operational departments maintain high standards for product quality, workmanship, process consistency, and customer satisfaction.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure compliance with applicable OSHA requirements, company safety programs, policies, and procedures.
• Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, recruiting needs, performance management, employee development, succession planning, and organizational structure.
• Develop leadership capabilities throughout Operations and establish succession plans for critical management and supervisory positions.
• Collaborate with Sales, Project Management, Purchasing, Drafting, and other departments to align operational priorities with customer and business requirements.
• Evaluate and recommend capital investments in equipment, technology, facilities, and operational infrastructure based on business needs and expected return on investment.
• Use operational and financial data to identify trends, evaluate performance, and make informed business decisions.
• Provide the CEO, President, and executive leadership with regular updates regarding operational performance, risks, opportunities, and recommended actions.
• Lead operational planning associated with business growth, increased production requirements, new capabilities, and other strategic initiatives.
• Build strong working relationships across departments to ensure exceptional customer service and project execution.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, continuous improvement, safety, and operational excellence.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities

• Strong business and financial acumen with the ability to understand budgets, financial statements, operational costs, margins, and return on investment.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute operational strategies aligned with organizational and financial objectives.
• Strong leadership and people-development skills with experience leading managers and building high-performing teams.
• Ability to establish measurable KPIs and use operational data to drive accountability and performance improvement.
• Strong understanding of production planning, capacity management, labor utilization, quality control, inventory management, and continuous improvement.
• Knowledge of applicable workplace safety and regulatory requirements, including OSHA standards.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to identify operational challenges and implement sustainable, scalable solutions.
• Ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with executive leadership and leaders across multiple departments.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and ERP/business management systems such as Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central or similar software.

Education and Experience

• Minimum of 10 years of progressive operations, manufacturing, fabrication, or industrial leadership experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of senior-level leadership experience with responsibility for managers and multiple operational functions.
• Demonstrated experience managing operational budgets, labor costs, productivity, financial performance, and capital expenditures.
• Experience leading manufacturing, fabrication, warehouse, logistics, or other industrial operations.
• Demonstrated experience implementing operational improvements, KPIs, SOPs, and accountability systems.
• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Engineering, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, or a related field preferred; equivalent combination of education and significant relevant experience will be considered.
• Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar continuous improvement certification preferred.
• Experience in the municipal waterworks, pipe fabrication, industrial manufacturing, or related industry preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to work in both office and manufacturing environments.
• Frequent walking throughout the fabrication facility.
• Ability to occasionally lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) while in production areas.
• Ability to travel as needed based on business and operational requirements.