About Our ClientOur client is a global leader in precision-engineered components and systems serving the aerospace, defense, and advanced industrial sectors. With a longstanding heritage of manufacturing excellence, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation.Privately held and values-driven, the organization operates multiple manufacturing and engineering facilities worldwide, supporting leading OEMs and tier-one suppliers on some of the industry’s most advanced programs. Known for operational discipline and long-term partnerships, it combines the stability of a mature enterprise with the agility of a modern, high-growth manufacturer. The OpportunityWe are looking for a Vice President- Manufacturing Operations to join the leadership team and assume responsibility for multiple operating divisions within the company’s aerospace and defense portfolio.This position offers exceptional growth potential for an accomplished manufacturing executive with a proven record of leading complex, multi-site operations. This is an onsite role with regular travel required between manufacturing sites.Key ResponsibilitiesOperational Leadership Full P&L accountability for assigned business units, ensuring financial performance, cost efficiency, and margin optimization Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing sites Lead initiatives in production performance, supply chain management, and process optimization Ensure compliance with industry quality standards and regulatory requirements Strategic Growth Develop and execute business strategies that align with enterprise objectives and support sustainable growth Identify opportunities for market expansion, new customer engagement, and strategic partnerships Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering, sales, and program management to accelerate innovation and delivery People Leadership Build and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and servant leadership Promote talent development, succession readiness, and organizational capability buildingFinancial Stewardship Deliver consistent, data-driven performance against ambitious growth targets Maintain rigorous financial oversight and forecasting accuracy Present operational results and strategic insights to the executive team with clarity and impact RequirementsEducation:Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (required) Advanced business education (MBA or equivalent) preferred Industry Experience: Aerospace or defense manufacturing background required Deep understanding of precision machining, component manufacturing, or engineered systems Demonstrated success in highly regulated, quality-driven production environments Experience managing multi-site operations and diverse product portfolios Leadership Experience: Minimum 20 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations Proven success in senior operational or general management roles with full P&L responsibility Technical & Business Acumen: Strong financial and analytical skills with a strategic mindset Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies Ability to translate operational metrics into strategic decisions BenefitsCompetitive base salary commensurate with experience (range: $250,000–$300,000) Annual performance bonus Long-term incentive or equity participation Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage 401(k) Paid time off, family leave, and relocation support Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visitExecutive Recruiters Bridgeport and New Haven: Headhunters in ConnecticutEqual Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search 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: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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: Keller Executive Search 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 www.kellerexecutivesearch.com. 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 Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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.
About Our Client
Our client is a global leader in precision-engineered components and systems serving the aerospace, defense, and advanced industrial sectors. With a longstanding heritage of manufacturing excellence, the company has built a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and innovation.
Privately held and values-driven, the organization operates multiple manufacturing and engineering facilities worldwide, supporting leading OEMs and tier-one suppliers on some of the industry’s most advanced programs. Known for operational discipline and long-term partnerships, it combines the stability of a mature enterprise with the agility of a modern, high-growth manufacturer.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Vice President- Manufacturing Operations to join the leadership team and assume responsibility for multiple operating divisions within the company’s aerospace and defense portfolio.
This position offers exceptional growth potential for an accomplished manufacturing executive with a proven record of leading complex, multi-site operations. This is an onsite role with regular travel required between manufacturing sites.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Full P&L accountability for assigned business units, ensuring financial performance, cost efficiency, and margin optimization
- Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing sites
- Lead initiatives in production performance, supply chain management, and process optimization
- Ensure compliance with industry quality standards and regulatory requirements
Strategic Growth
- Develop and execute business strategies that align with enterprise objectives and support sustainable growth
- Identify opportunities for market expansion, new customer engagement, and strategic partnerships
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering, sales, and program management to accelerate innovation and delivery
People Leadership
- Build and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations
- Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and servant leadership
- Promote talent development, succession readiness, and organizational capability building
Financial Stewardship
- Deliver consistent, data-driven performance against ambitious growth targets
- Maintain rigorous financial oversight and forecasting accuracy
- Present operational results and strategic insights to the executive team with clarity and impact
Requirements
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (required)
- Advanced business education (MBA or equivalent) preferred
Industry Experience:
- Aerospace or defense manufacturing background required
- Deep understanding of precision machining, component manufacturing, or engineered systems
- Demonstrated success in highly regulated, quality-driven production environments
- Experience managing multi-site operations and diverse product portfolios
Leadership Experience:
- Minimum 20 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations
- Proven success in senior operational or general management roles with full P&L responsibility
Technical & Business Acumen:
- Strong financial and analytical skills with a strategic mindset
- Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
- Ability to translate operational metrics into strategic decisions
Benefits
- Competitive base salary commensurate with experience (range: $250,000–$300,000)
- Annual performance bonus
- Long-term incentive or equity participation
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
- 401(k)
- Paid time off, family leave, and relocation support
Keller is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Keller emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.
To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit
Executive Recruiters Bridgeport and New Haven: Headhunters in Connecticut
Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search 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: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected.
Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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: Keller Executive Search 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 www.kellerexecutivesearch.com.
- 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 Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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
Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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 Keller Executive Search 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.
Keller Executive Search International is a global executive search that recruits senior leaders for prominent brands and organizations. We offer full-spectrum services, such as Executive Search, Board Services, CEO Succession Planning, Executive Assessment, Business Culture Review, and Corporate Handover.
Keller Executive Search International is a global executive search that recruits senior leaders for prominent brands and organizations. We offer full-spectrum services, such as Executive Search, Board Services, CEO Succession Planning, Executive Assessment, Business Culture Review, and Corporate Handover.
