This executive leadership role involves overseeing and optimizing complex, multi-site industrial manufacturing operations focused on large equipment, heavy fabrication, and engineered industrial products. The Chief Operating Officer will drive operational excellence, integrate acquisitions, and build infrastructure to support continued growth within a rapidly expanding, private equity-backed industrial manufacturing organization.
Responsibilities
Provide executive oversight of the company's national manufacturing and operations platform, ensuring alignment with strategic growth objectives
Develop and execute operational strategies that improve scalability, efficiency, profitability, and customer satisfaction
Establish a performance-driven operating model with clear accountability, standardized processes, and measurable objectives across multiple facilities
Partner closely with the CEO and executive leadership team on strategic planning, organizational development, and long-term capital investments
Build and mentor a high-performing leadership team across Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, and Project Management
Oversee complex, custom-engineered manufacturing operations involving heavy metal fabrication, structural and mechanical assembly, and industrial equipment production
Ensure operational excellence throughout the project lifecycle, including engineering, estimating, procurement, fabrication, testing, delivery, and installation readiness
Drive improvements in manufacturing throughput, production scheduling, capacity planning, product quality, and on-time delivery
Establish consistent manufacturing standards and best practices across geographically dispersed facilities
Partner with engineering leadership to optimize product design, manufacturability, production efficiency, and quality
Lead operational integration efforts associated with strategic acquisitions, aligning newly acquired businesses with common processes, systems, and performance expectations
Build scalable infrastructure capable of supporting rapid organic and acquisition-driven growth
Standardize operational procedures, reporting, KPIs, and continuous improvement initiatives across multiple manufacturing locations
Lead or sponsor ERP implementations and modernization initiatives, transitioning legacy systems into integrated enterprise platforms
Identify opportunities to improve operational visibility, cross-functional collaboration, and resource utilization
Own operating and capital expenditure budgets across the manufacturing and operations organization
Drive sustainable margin improvement through productivity gains, cost optimization, estimating accuracy, and improved project execution
Develop and monitor operational KPIs, including safety, quality, throughput, project profitability, on-time delivery, and manufacturing efficiency
Millions of jobs, with real people getting hired every day
200,000+
New jobs added daily
7,000,000+
Verified job listings
1,000,000+
Tailored applications submitted
Implement continuous improvement methodologies to reduce waste, minimize rework, and optimize production processes
Evaluate and prioritize capital investments in facilities, equipment, automation, and technology to support growth
Serve as the primary executive partner between manufacturing operations and the organization's national field service and installation teams
Ensure seamless coordination between engineering, fabrication, logistics, field installation, and ongoing service support
Establish standardized project handoff procedures, documentation requirements, and communication protocols
Improve installation readiness and reduce field-related delays, quality issues, and rework
Incorporate feedback from field service teams into manufacturing, engineering, and quality improvement initiatives
Assess organizational capabilities and develop leadership structures that support continued expansion
Recruit, mentor, and develop senior operational leaders while building succession planning and leadership depth
Foster a culture of accountability, safety, collaboration, and operational excellence
Lead organizational change initiatives, ensuring successful adoption of new systems, processes, and operating standards
Requirements
15+ years of progressive operational leadership experience, including a minimum of 5 years in an executive-level role
Demonstrated success leading operations within a mid-market industrial manufacturing organization, ideally generating $250 million or more in annual revenue
Proven ability to balance strategic executive leadership with hands-on operational execution
Deep experience in heavy metal fabrication, structural and mechanical assembly, and custom-engineered industrial equipment
Working knowledge of electrical controls and integrated mechanical systems
Strong understanding of engineering-driven, project-based manufacturing environments
Proven experience overseeing multiple manufacturing facilities across geographically dispersed locations
Experience leading ERP implementations, system integrations, or large-scale operational transformations
Experience managing long-cycle, custom-engineered capital equipment projects from initial design through fabrication, delivery, and field installation
Strong understanding of project costing, estimating, production planning, resource allocation, and margin management
Experience partnering with regional installation or field service organizations to ensure successful project execution
Demonstrated ownership of operating budgets, CapEx planning, margin improvement, and operational performance
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams spanning Engineering, Production, Supply Chain, Quality, and Project Management
Strong analytical capabilities and experience implementing KPI-driven operational management
Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field required
Nice to have:
Experience with overhead cranes, hoists, rigging, lifting equipment, or similar industrial capital equipment
Background operating within a private equity-backed or acquisition-driven industrial platform
MBA or advanced degree in Operations Management
Important Details
Travel: Approximately 50% nationwide
Work format: Remote flexibility for candidates located near a major airport
About the Company
Our client is a rapidly growing, private equity-backed industrial manufacturing organization specializing in large-scale equipment and engineered industrial solutions. With a strong national presence, the company has experienced significant expansion through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions, establishing itself as a leader in its industry.
