Vice President of Operations Greater St. Louis, MO Area

The Company is seeking a Vice President of Operations to serve as the senior operational leader for its product business, with a focus on precision blades and knives for industrial and food processing applications. The successful candidate will have joint P&L ownership, direct accountability for manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, quality, EHS, and customer service, and will be the key decision-maker for all operational functions. This role requires a leader with a strong background in USMCA or maquiladora manufacturing, experience in European or UK plant operations, and bilingual fluency in English and Spanish. The VP of Operations will be responsible for driving operational performance, leading a cross-site team, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards. Applicants must have a minimum of 10 years' of operations and manufacturing leadership experience, with at least 3 years' in a VP or Director-level role. The role demands a candidate with a proven track record in P&L management, a deep understanding of lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, and the ability to operate effectively in a complex, multi-geography business. The ideal candidate will also have experience in precision blade or related manufacturing, exposure to multi-currency cost structures, and a background in supporting M&A processes or business unit strategic initiatives. A Bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, or a related technical discipline is required, with an MBA being a plus. The role is pivotal in driving the company's operational strategy and requires a leader who can deliver results, build a high-performing team, and contribute to the long-term competitiveness of the business.

Hiring Company

Steel Partners Holdings