Chief Operations Officer

RHH202325

Medical Device

THE COMPANY

Located in Southeastern Michigan, our client is a privately-owned low-volume high-mix manufacturing company. They possess the capability to design, develop and manufacture unique products, components and accessories for medical device OEM’s and distributors. This is a collaborative culture with a strong emphasis on humility, go-to-Gemba, teamwork, honesty and integrity.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Our client seeks an experienced data-driven operations leader that will deliver solutions to problems and play an integral part in building foundational structure within the operations to support process reliability for future growth and expansion in standardized production and manufacturing capabilities. The Chief Operation Officer (COO) will guide the company’s transformation by taking a hands-on role in implementing manufacturing/production processes and systems. The COO must be a direct and gracious communicator and will be responsible for the management and day-to-day operations of the company. The successful candidate will be a decisive but thoughtful take-charge, high-energy leader who is capable of creating and managing operational processes and teams to ensure this organization’s continued success and growth.

This position reports to the President/Owner and has four direct reports.

JOB DEFINITION

Set operational and/or performance goals for each department which are aggressive, achievable, tied to long-term goals and contribute to the growth of the team. Monitor department performance against goals to ensure that progress is being made. Ability to retrieve and analyze data from the current Information Systems. Must have a passion for meaningful analysis and reporting.
Organize and manage the resources of the company to get things done, while using them effectively and efficiently. Set clear expectations, design practical processes and procedures that ensure accountability through a workable performance management system.
Foster and promote a culture of continuous improvements (PDCA – plan, do, check, adjust). Resourceful, figure-it-out-and-get-it-done mentality, with a track record of creating successful organizations without the resources and reputation of a large entity.
Experience leading and setting a course in a facility located in Mexico where there is no roadmap and much ambiguity is ideal.

SKILLS

Passionate about coaching and training the operations team. Practical and effective at setting, evaluating and inspiring individual and team goals that develop people to promote a positive “get-it-done” culture.
Must be strategic and tactical; present on the shop floor and lead by example; plans, directs, and manages the entire operation, ensuring the development and implementation of efficient operational processes to meet current and future business requirements. Establish and implement short and long-range departmental goals, objectives, policies, and operating procedures for the entire operations team.
Create and implement initiatives that drive optimization and improvements in the performance of the overall operations input, throughputs and outputs, focused production planning, scheduling, and execution.
Provide direction, development, and leadership for all operational departments; ensure team members role and responsibilities are clear and understood.
Promote an environment that recognizes the importance of customer relationships and the behaviors that contribute to growth. As necessary, participate in hosting customer and prospect visits (as well as occasional travel to customer sites) for activities such as business development opportunities, quality audits, quality or business performance issues, etc.
Collaborate with key suppliers to build and maximize the value of each relationship.
Develop an operational strategy and underlying objectives; define the production schedule and through-put for the shop floor. Assist in the analysis and interpretation of ERP system information. Ability to create Key Performance Indicators (KPI’s) and ideal targets that maintain and maximize the overall operations. This is a solutions-minded culture, team of doers. Cross functional leadership: Energize and engage employees through their managers by ensuring they understand and can execute operational fulfillment goals.
Must be able to communicate job expectations internally; plan, monitor, appraise, and review job contributions; plan and review compensation actions; enforcing policies and procedures. Monitor and follow-up on project/departmental performance to ensure that progress is being made.

Business Management:

Encourage open communication at all levels within the company and maintain effective communication with internal and external business operations to solve problems in an efficient and effective manner.
Set and follow-up on operational and/or performance goals for each department which are aggressive, achievable, and tied to long-term goals.
Maintain an operational atmosphere of accountability and commitment. The company values productivity. Establish a system around performance indicators for all positions within the company.
Ability to manage a high quality, efficient and cost-effective operation. Ensure all department heads are fully informed of operational objectives. Conduct regular meetings with department heads to ensure that changing priorities are clear. Solve any inter departmental issues that arise before any problems hamper the daily operations. Facilitate conflict resolution to ensure objective fulfillment and swift response to job site problems and opportunities.
Devise and implement operating procedures/controls to improve the efficiency of the overall operation. Ensure the operations team has the necessary resources to effectively meet short and long-term goals.
Establish and adjust organizational structure so that it supports the business’s objectives. As the key point (face) of management to employees, have good relations and represent management with encouragement and professionalism.

BACKGROUND EXPERIENCE

20+ years of professional management; 10+ years senior leadership experience including running an organization from the shop floor.
Must have 5+ years’ experience in a low-volume high-mix manufacturing (job shop) environment.
Proven track record as Chief Operating Officer, VP of Operations and/or General Manager.
Multisite is a must as is experience with the launch of a new start-up operation.
Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) and/or Global Shop experience is not required but is a plus.
Strong understanding and experience with standard cost accounting is highly preferred. Financial acumen and related analytical skills, including P&L, budget planning, understanding pricing strategies and the ability to create highly accurate revenue forecasting models.
Strong work ethic, e.g., “roll-up your sleeves” leader; a proactive team leader with a proven “take-charge” record of accomplishment. Positive, enthusiastic, optimistic team player with a contagious desire that inspires the team toward shared goals and purpose. Strongly demonstrated leadership and communication skills involving employees, customers, peers, and suppliers.
Highly organized and analytical thinker who is used to autonomy while ensuring that the owner is dialed in. Must be articulate, resourceful, and focused. One who exhibits patience, perseverance, and persuasiveness.
Must have the ability to work within a fast-paced, fluid, and fun culture. Moderate international travel is required.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in business, engineering, or management required. MBA is beneficial; or equivalent experience.

If you have these qualifications and are looking for a challenging career, please submit your Resume using the button below.

Eric Hohauser

President & Lead Consultant

Nicole Regula

Director, Executive Recruitment