Overview

A growing commercial linear lighting company is building its first in-house production operation and is hiring a Vice President of Manufacturing to lead it. This is a true ground-floor build: there is no existing team, no legacy processes, and no established playbook to inherit. You will be a key player in deciding how to transition manufacturing operations in house from existing contract manufacturers, how production, supply chain, inventory, and quality operate from day one, working across both in-house production and contract manufacturing partners, and you will report directly to the President as part of the senior leadership team.

The scope is broad by design. You will be a key decision maker on which products get built in-house versus outsourced, own the cost and margin targets that follow from those decisions, and build/maintain the supplier relationships and inventory systems that keep production running on time. As the operation matures, you will also be the one hiring and shaping the team underneath you, so this is a role for someone who wants to build a function, not just run one that already exists.

This is best suited to a hands-on operator who has led manufacturing at scale before but wants the autonomy of starting from a blank page, with direct visibility to the President and a real seat at the leadership table.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Operations

• Own production control, process development, quality systems, and purchasing, in-house and with contract manufacturing partners
• Lead make-versus-buy decisions and own COGS/margin targets across all product lines
• Align capacity with sales forecasts, meet lead times, and build out production metrics (throughput, labor productivity, equipment utilization)
• Own the manufacturing budget and ensure facilities/equipment are properly built and maintained

Supply Chain

• Lead sourcing, procurement, and materials planning to build and negotiate a reliable, cost-competitive supplier network
• Develop inventory strategies that minimize investment and carrying cost, including material replenishment
• Manage supplier performance, incoming inspection, and corrective action programs
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risk with contingency planning for critical materials

Quality

• Ensure products meet engineering specifications, regulatory requirements, and quality standards
• Own root cause/CAPA processes and key quality metrics (First-Pass Yield, Defect Rate, RMA Rate, COPQ, Supplier Quality)
• Drive initiatives that reduce warranty cost and improve product reliability

Leadership

• Build and lead the manufacturing, supply chain, and quality team from the ground up
• Hold P&L accountability for the manufacturing function
• Set departmental goals aligned to company strategy while partnering cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, Product, and Finance

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience
• Experience leading both internal manufacturing operations and outsourced/contract manufacturing
• Demonstrated P&L management and success handling complex supply chains and supplier relationships
• Proven track record improving efficiency, reducing costs, and scaling operations
• Experience with ERP systems, production planning, inventory management, and quality management systems
• Strong communicator, able to influence and negotiate at all organizational levels
• Must be able to pass pre-employment screening, including background, drug/alcohol, and driving record checks
• Willing and able to travel approximately 25% of the time

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or equivalent advanced business education
• Background in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or formal continuous improvement methodology
• Prior experience standing up a new manufacturing facility or function from the ground floor
• Experience in electronics or a related light-manufacturing/assembly industry

Benefits

Package

Base Salary: $150,000 - $200,000, commensurate with experience.

Benefits:

• Unlimited PTO
• 401(k) with company match up to 4%
• Medical, dental, and vision, with 50% of premium covered by the company.

Haldren is a recruitment agency that provides services to clients ranging from startups and non profits to multinational corporations. Haldren emphasizes ethical search processes, attentive candidate care, and leadership placements that support long-term client outcomes.

To learn more about the firm and about our candidate services - please visit

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Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Haldren and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Haldren or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status.

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Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location.

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• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants.
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Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment

Haldren and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles.

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Note: This job posting may be for a position with Haldren or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.