Location: TBD (Expected to be on-site in Manassas, VA temporarily with relocation to the yet to be determined manufacturing site)
Reports To: CEO
Position Overview:
Electra.aero, a next gen aerospace technology company seeks a dynamic and strategic Vice President of Manufacturing and Supply Chain Operations. This role will support the CEO and provide strong leadership for major functions including Manufacturing Operations, Advanced Manufacturing, Purchasing, Supply Chain Operations, and Quality. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in both Manufacturing and Supply Chain operations, and possess the ability to effectively manage and streamline operations within a fast-paced, innovative environment.
The Big Picture:
Alignment: This role will ensure that all functions in this Manufacturing & Supply Chain organization are well-aligned to Electra's mission and purpose, and that system-level integration with other functions across the company is achieved, such as for production engineering input into the product design process and support for Design for X commitments (e.g., Manufacturability, Cost, etc.).•
Discipline: This role will ensure that the Manufacturing & Supply Chain team maintains an established operating rhythm with consistency and discipline, driving culture by virtue of adherence to core commitments on how we work.•
Continuous Improvement: This role will keep an active eye on every process across the Manufacturing & Supply Chain organization, looking for where and how we can improve process, enhance efficiency and address constraints, especially where those processes impact employee or stakeholder experience.•
Culture Building: This role will strongly-support Electra's senior leadership team in ensuring that culture is built intentionally - including generating the open-door feedback and input needed for constant collective, self-reflection by the senior leadership team.
Key Responsibilities:
Manufacturing Plant Development: Define and execute the overall manufacturing strategy. Lead the design, development, and construction of a world-class lean manufacturing facility for the Electra products. Contribute to the selection of manufacturing equipment suppliers. Lead the installation, qualification, and certification activities for all plant equipment. Contribute to the identification and training of a world-class workforce.•
Design for Manufacturing: Drive DFM into the Product Design and Development activities. Provide the "voice of manufacturing" to ensure that the proper Design for Manufacturability (DFM) elements are baked-into the early product designs.•
Manufacturing Operations: Lead the production activities for the Electra products. Develop and institutionalize the lean manufacturing process for the site. Identify and execute the balanced metrics to ensure that all Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Morale objectives are met.•
Supplier Identification and Development: Define the Supply Chain vision and strategy for the organization, including not only who we want as our critical supply partners, but also what type of relationship we want to have with our supply base. Lead the identification, selection, contract management, and development of the critical supply base for the Electra products. Create and institutionalize the Supply Chain systems and procedures - including supplier identification, supplier performance measurement, supplier development, and supplier performance/quality improvement.•
Quality: Develop the quality policies and procedures (the Electra Quality Management System) that will drive a high-quality product that meets all customer, federal, and international requirements.•
Performance Management: Oversee a robust performance management system that supports employee development and accountability.•
Talent Management: Identify and develop the talent necessary to achieve the objectives of the group and the company.•
Financial Management: Manage budgets, ensuring cost-effectiveness and alignment with company financial goals. Assess and improve procurement processes.•
Reporting and Analytics: Provide regular reports on Manufacturing and Supply Chain metrics to drive improvements and strategic decisions.•
Crisis Management: Support the development of crisis management plans to address unexpected challenges effectively.• Other duties as directed by the CEO.
Projects in Queue:
1. Production Strategy: Critical decisions on the manufacturing methods and production strategy will be made in the next six months that will significantly affect the program and the company for many years, including the choice of greenfield development vs. OEM production partnership.
2. Supply Chain Strategy: Critical decisions on strategic suppliers will be made in the next few months. These decisions will greatly affect the execution and profitability of the Electra business plans.
3. Design for Manufacturability: Product decisions are being made every day that will greatly impact the manufacturability (and therefore the cost and quality) of the programs. Strong manufacturing vision and leadership is needed to ensure that the high-leverage product decisions are being made in alignment with the manufacturing requirements (DFM).
Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Business Administration, or a related field; Master's degree preferred.
Minimum of 20 years of Manufacturing Operations and/or Supply Chain Operations experience.
Experience in BOTH Manufacturing Operations and in Supply Chain Operations is strongly preferred - or demonstratable ability to effectively lead both vital functions.
Minimum of 10 years in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
Minimum of 10 years in leadership roles. Senior Leadership experience is desirable.
Experience in establishing and developing brownfield or greenfield manufacturing operations is desirable.
Experience in a small, fast-growing, or start-up company environment is desirable.
"Knows what good is" in the Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing and Supply Chain space.
Proven ability to establish and cultivate a culture for success.
Proven experience in Lean/Six Sigma in a manufacturing environment and/or familiarity with Theory of Constraints/Critical Chain Program Management.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and leadership skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
Strong business acumen - proven ability to lead a successful and profitable operation.
Compensation: Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.