VP Operations-US at Kennametal NA in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Job Description:

About Kennametal


With over 80 years as an industrial technology leader, Kennametal Inc. delivers productivity to customers through materials science, tooling and wear-resistant solutions. Customers across aerospace and defense, earthworks, energy, general engineering and transportation turn to Kennametal to help them manufacture with precision and efficiency. Every day approximately 8,700 employees are helping customers in nearly 100 countries stay competitive. Kennametal generated $2.1 billion in revenues in fiscal 2023. Learn more at www.kennametal.com. Follow @Kennametal: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube.


VP Operations




Job Summary

Lead the operations function within the infrastructure business segment to support the business strategy aligning the manufacturing capabilities to exceed customer expectations and ensure consistent execution in safety, quality delivery and cost. The VP of Operations will drive continuous improvement through the implementation of best practices and a standardized manufacturing operating system within a Global matrix organization that involves 4 business units, approximately 20 manufacturing sites and a corporate matrix that includes Advanced Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Technology and EHS.

The VP of Operations will drive Infrastructures operations strategy as a competitive advantage through footprint optimization, manufacturing efficiency and technology transformation through the adoption of innovative manufacturing tools and processes.

This role will be responsible for the successful performance of manufacturing operations, maintenance, quality, EH&S, planning and talent management activities related to the infrastructure portfolio of businesses.



Key Job Responsibilities

• Develop a vision for Operations across Infrastructure segment to support the business strategy
• Develop and implement the Operations strategy and roadmap for all Infrastructure businesses and sites including footprint optimization and rationalization
• Establish an operating system that ensures consistent operations practices across our different sites
• Drives operational improvement through the implementation of a disciplined process to measure plant performance and corrective action
• Implement a continuous improvement process and best practices to ensure competitive and reliable operations across businesses and regions
• Leads the planning and implementation of innovative, cost effective, safe manufacturing technology processes and techniques which will deliver sustainable year-over-year decreases in operational costs and increases in overall efficiency.
• Responsible for the effective implementation of EH&S practices and culture, which prioritizes communication and preventive actions resulting in a safe work environment at all plants
• Inspires and motivates staff to ensure a high level of employee engagement and create a positive work environment that consistently exceeds site performance metrics
• Drives the alignment and prioritization of capabilities with Business Unit leaders, product management, advanced manufacturing, sourcing and technology to meet short- and long-term operational needs.
• Develops and leverages strong relationships with key commercial stakeholders and customers to exceed customer expectations in quality and delivery in a sustainable manner.
• Leads the delivery of innovative, cost effective, safe manufacturing technology processes and techniques which provide sustainable year-over-year decreases in operational costs and increases in overall efficiency of Infrastructure manufacturing sites.
• Drives and promotes synergies between facilities, drives standardization and adopts best practices across business units and sites.
• Leads and drives the deployment of Kennametal Operations System including implementation of Lean and continuous improvement.
• Drives the alignment and prioritization of capabilities with Business Unit leaders, product management, advanced manufacturing, sourcing and technology to meet short- and long-term operational needs.
• Develops and leverages strong relationships with key commercial stakeholders and customers to exceed customer expectations in quality and delivery in a sustainable manner.
• Leads the delivery of innovative, cost effective, safe manufacturing technology processes and techniques which provide sustainable year-over-year decreases in operational costs and increases in overall efficiency of Infrastructure manufacturing sites.
• Drives and promotes synergies between facilities, drives standardization and adopts best practices across business units and sites.
• Leads and drives the deployment of Kennametal Operations System including implementation of Lean and continuous improvement.



Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or engineering Operations related discipline is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• At least 15 years of experience dealing with Manufacturing transformation including culture change, technology integration, footprint consolidation, global product production movement, and site construction.
• Demonstrable experience of leading an operations function with a proven track record in strategic manufacturing leadership delivering effective manufacturing strategies, driving efficiency, policies, processes and systems.
• Experience in leading in a global matrixed environment.
• Proven management skills with the ability to optimize team performance and development.
• Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to engage, negotiate and manage key stakeholders and suppliers at all levels.
• Strong project management skills. Must be able to work as a sponsor and serve as a team leader on multiple projects.
• Demonstrate comprehensive experience in process design and development. Has taken lean manufacturing/6 Sigma knowledge to the next level and developed leading-edge processes.

Equal Opportunity Employer



Nearest Major Market: Pittsburgh

Job Segment: Lean Six Sigma, Operations Manager, Materials Science, Supply Chain, Relationship Manager, Management, Operations, Science, Customer Service