Vice President of Strategic Operations
Our fast growing private-equity backed manufacturing and distribution client has retained us to identify their Vice President of Strategic Operations. This organization is private-equity owned, and is pursuing an aggressive acquisition strategy over the next 3-4 years (they purchased 4 companies in 2024 alone); this VP of Strategic Operations is the primary leader for the integration of the newly acquired companies, having responsibility for managing key strategic projects across their US portfolio.
Though the combined portfolio companies currently have a combined revenue of around $180M, they intend to more than double in size through acquisition in the next 3 years. This leader will be responsible for some of the most strategic projects across their portfolio, and will be part of their leadership program for executive leadership in the near future.
*** Our client offers a competitive base + bonus package, in addition to a very competitive equity package.***
*** They are headquartered in suburban Minneapolis, but there will be travel to a variety of their locations including Dallas, Atlanta, or Washington DC (25-35%, depending on the project).
Responsibilities
- Reporting to the CEO, the VP of Strategic Operations is a senior, strategic position that will be the primary leader for the integration of newly acquired companies (Targets) as well as having responsibility for managing key strategic projects across the US portfolio. The Strategic Operations Director will ensure operating systems and processes are aligned with our client's operating platforms. During the integration, the incumbent will lead Target company’s team in setting and achieving transitional budgets, achieving operational synergy cases, and ensuring timely operations reporting. Key Performance Objectives
- Lead oversight of the Target company operations on a day-to-day basis, either directly or through the Target’s operating team.
- Ensure timely business performance reporting during the transition phase.
- Ensure that integration and other strategic projects are completed within the agreed-upon timelines.
- Maintain effective communication and meet stakeholder expectations regarding integration goals. Essential Duties:
- Oversight of the Target during the transition/integration period, typically six to nine months; being the leader (or working with the leader) of the Target.
- Lead the planning and execution of integration plans, which may include I/T, financial reporting, manufacturing, distribution, supply chain, personnel, etc.
- Work with various company functions (Finance, I/T, Engineering, Operations, Product Management, Sourcing, etc.) to align integration efforts with company's short- and long-term business objectives.
- Anticipate risks, develop mitigation strategies, and address issues to ensure timely and effective integration of operations.
- Lead high-level update communications to regularly update stakeholders on integration status, progress, risks, and outcomes.
- Efficiently manage resources and team efforts to meet project deadlines.
- Develop transitional budgets, leading to full integration into company's budgeting process.
- Assist, as requested, company's commercial leaders in their commercial integration efforts.
- Assist, as requested, Parent Co's M&A Director in the assessment of potential acquisition targets.
Desired Skills and Experience
- Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to assess complex situations, identify high value opportunities, and prioritize activities.
- Broad operational skillset that provides solid working knowledge of all operational functions such as manufacturing production and/or distribution, inventory management, I/T, financial and operational reporting, logistics, etc.
- Strong project management skills including planning, prioritizing, executing, and reporting.
- Exceptional organizational and operational execution skills.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively interact with all levels of an organization, from the floor to the C-suite.
- Ability to effectively collaborate and drive action across teams and functions.
- Experience interfacing with WMS and/or ERP system(s).
- Ability to identify and resolve risks and issues proactively.
- Can operate with little oversight; self-motivated to achieve success.
- Ability to travel up to 50% of the time at peak times (typically around 20-25%) Education and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain, Business, Project Management, or a related field.
- 10+ years of experience in operations in a variety of roles, which may include experience in production engineering, ERP implementation, capital project management, DC/Warehouse startup, finance, supply chain, etc.
- Experience optimizing operational performance through turnaround situations, ERP conversion projects or, ideally, post-merger integration of manufacturing or distribution companies. * The ideal candidate will have broad operational and leadership experience in a product manufacturing or distribution environment. *
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