Our Client, a leading manufacturer of custom equipment and conveyor systems in the Milwaukee area, is seeking an experienced Chief Operating Officer to join their executive leadership team. This company is undergoing succession planning due to a planned retirement, creating a unique opportunity for a strategic and operational leader to drive the next phase of growth.
Position Overview:
The Chief Operating Officer will be responsible for coaching and leading a diverse team across Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Scheduling, Engineering, Customer Service, Finance, and Human Resources. This role involves close collaboration with the President, as well as Sales and Marketing, to execute the operations plan aligned with the company’s strategic and financial goals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership and Team Development: Lead and coach teams in various departments to ensure alignment with operational goals. Evaluate and optimize leadership structures, roles, and responsibilities.
- Strategic Planning and Execution: Collaborate with the executive team to contribute to the strategic plan, develop resources, and execute strategies that drive business growth and operational excellence.
- Operational Oversight: Oversee the day-to-day operations of Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Scheduling, Engineering, Customer Service, Finance, and Human Resources to ensure efficiency and effectiveness.
- Financial Management: Utilize strong financial acumen to manage P&L, costs, and identify opportunities for operational improvements.
- Performance Metrics: Develop and implement Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track and improve operational performance. Regularly report progress to internal and external stakeholders.
- Quality and Culture: Develop and implement organizational quality systems and cultural initiatives that align with the company’s values.
- Communication: Create and execute organizational communication plans to ensure clear, consistent messaging across all levels of the company.
- Workforce and Capital Planning: Develop and execute strategic workforce and capital expenditure plans to support operational and strategic objectives.
Qualifications:
- A combination of education and experience in business, engineering, or technology is preferred. An MBA is a plus.
- Proven track record of leading and managing teams across multiple functional areas.
- Experience in manufacturing, particularly with custom design and engineering solutions, is highly desirable.
- Strong leadership skills with a servant leadership approach, focusing on team coaching and development.
- Enthusiastic about facilitating innovative solutions in aquatics and sheet metal fabrication.
- Expertise in strategic planning, operational execution, and financial management.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with a collaborative, team-oriented mindset.
