Vice President of Manufacturing

Manasquan, New Jersey

Job Summary

The Vice President (VP) of Manufacturing will serve as the driving force behind the success of our 110,000-sq. ft. emergency vehicle manufacturing facility, overseeing all aspects of day-to-day operations with a focus on efficiency, safety and quality. This individual will provide leadership across production, ensuring that every department operates seamlessly and in alignment with company goals. In this role, the VP of Manufacturing will balance strategic oversight with hands-on involvement, guiding department managers and supervisors while maintaining direct accountability for the facility’s output and performance. The VP of Manufacturing will also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the facility by driving operational excellence through process improvements, lean manufacturing initiatives and workforce development. Success in this position requires strong leadership skills, a keen understanding of manufacturing workflows and the ability to foster collaboration across multiple teams. This is a highly visible role, directly supporting the company’s mission to deliver best-in-class emergency vehicles that help first responders save lives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

· Oversee all manufacturing operational functions within the 110,000 sq. ft. facility, including production, facility management and operational safety.

· Lead, mentor, and develop department managers, supervisors and staff to build a strong, engaged and accountable workforce.

· Ensure on-time, on-budget completion of ambulance and fire rescue builds.

· Conduct performance evaluations and provide training for technicians across all production lines.

· Implement and monitor KPIs to measure efficiency, quality and on-time delivery.

· Drive process improvements, cost control initiatives and lean manufacturing practices.

· Collaborate with R&D, Engineering and Operations teams to integrate new technologies and custom configurations.

· Ensure compliance with OSHA, DOT, NFPA, KKK-A-1822 and other applicable industry standards and regulations.

· Review production plans and schedules to make decisions regarding inventory, workflow and job assignments.

· Collaborate with executive leadership to develop and execute short- and long-term operational strategies.

· Evaluate workflows, equipment utilization and manpower planning to optimize output and reduce downtime.

· Serve as the primary point of accountability for operational performance, customer satisfaction and facility output.

· Promote a safety-first culture by encouraging safe practices and ensuring adherence to all company safety protocols.

· Participate in customer factory visits, walk-throughs and progress inspections.

· Drive customer satisfaction by maintaining high levels of product quality, reliability, and consistency.

· Monitor and control operating expenses, labor costs and material usage.

· Foster a culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Qualifications:

· 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations.

· 10+ years of managing large-scale facilities and cross-functional teams.

· Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Mechanical/Industrial Engineering, or related field; Master’s degree (MBA or similar) strongly preferred.

· Proven track record of leading high-volume, deadline-driven production environments; experience in automotive, specialty vehicle, or heavy equipment manufacturing strongly preferred.

· Demonstrated success in developing and implementing KPIs to improve operational performance, efficiency and output quality.

· Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build strong teams and foster a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.

· Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving, decision-making, and organizational skills.

· Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and Microsoft Office Suite; experience implementing or optimizing ERP systems is preferred.

Compensation & Benefits:

· $150,000 - $200,000 Salary Range.

· Relocation Assistance.

· 401k Company Match.

· Health Insurance Benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance).

· Company paid Holidays, Vacation and Sick Time.

· Training/Professional Development Opportunities.

· Employee Assistance Program.

· Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please send resumes to kblanco@plcustom.com.

PL Custom Emergency Vehicles

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