Find & Apply For Engineering Manager Jobs in Plymouth, Michigan

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Position Title:

VP of Operational Excellence Department:

EOTECH Defense Classification:

Exempt Approved By:

Human Resources

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

Position Reports To:

CTO JOB SUMMARY

The VP of Operational Excellence sets enterprise strategy and leads execution across four core competencies: Quality System and Improvement, Production Qualification and Release, Manufacturing Efficiency, and Cross-Functional Process Improvement. The VP sets objectives, allocates resources, prioritizes investments, and holds leaders accountable for quality, delivery, efficiency, and profitability, validating results with Finance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Quality System and Improvement Provide executive oversight of the quality management system, including document control, audits, management reviews, and compliance with applicable customer and contractual requirements. Direct defect prevention, root cause analysis, corrective and preventive actions, and supplier quality improvement. Track quality trends, cost of poor quality, and corrective action effectiveness. Production Qualification and Release Lead production qualification and release governance with Engineering, Quality, and Operations, including readiness reviews, process validation, and acceptance criteria for new or changed products and processes. Ensure tooling, equipment, work instructions, inspection methods, training, and qualification records meet release requirements. Resolve readiness gaps and authorize or escalate release decisions within delegated authority. Manufacturing Efficiency Lead Lean and Six Sigma initiatives to improve throughput, equipment effectiveness, labor productivity, capacity utilization, and delivery while reducing scrap, rework, inventory, and lead times. Establish standard work, visual management, and daily performance reviews. Sponsor process and technology investments that deliver measurable benefits while maintaining safety and quality. Cross-Functional Process Improvement Lead improvements across Operations, Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Finance, and supporting functions. Clarify process ownership, strengthen handoffs, and remove barriers to execution. Develop improvement leaders, sponsor change management, and establish project governance. Monitor milestones, adoption, and sustained results; perform other related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

Lead assigned functional leaders and operational excellence personnel. Establish goals, manage resources and performance, develop succession plans, and direct cross-functional improvement teams.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (as demonstrated through experience, training and/or testing) Executive-level knowledge of quality management systems, Lean, Six Sigma, and structured problem solving. Ability to interpret operational and financial data, establish meaningful measures, and demonstrate sustained business results. Skilled in enterprise governance, change management, leadership development, and influencing cross-functional leaders. Knowledge of production qualification, process validation, release controls, manufacturing systems, and capacity planning. Executive communication, sound judgment, and the ability to translate strategy into accountable operating plans. Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, presentation tools, and ERP or other systems used to monitor operational performance.

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience. Advanced degree and Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification preferred.

EXPERIENCE

Minimum of 12 years of progressive experience in manufacturing operations, quality, engineering, or operational excellence, including at least 5 years in senior leadership. Demonstrated success leading quality systems, production qualification and release, manufacturing efficiency, and enterprise process improvement with measurable, sustained results. Experience in precision manufacturing, optics, defense, or another regulated manufacturing environment preferred.

BACKGROUND PREREQUISITES

Must undergo and meet company standards for background check, employment verification and reference checks.

WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Office and manufacturing environments, with exposure to production noise and equipment. Follow safety procedures and wear required personal protective equipment. Computer work and regular standing and walking on the production floor are required. Essential functions may be performed with reasonable accommodation.

Travel requirement:

10% to company, supplier, customer, or other business locations. Additional hours, including evenings or weekends, may be required. U.S. Citizenship is required.

NOTE:

These statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work involved for this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of this job. Individuals assigned to perform tasks defined in this job description that are controlled by the ISO program have the authority, consent, and responsibility to carry out those tasks as defined in the program.