Vice President of Operations

Position Title: Vice President of Operations

Department: Administration

Location: Fenton, MO

Reports To: CEO

Classification: Salary - Exempt

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Operations is a key member of the executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing all aspects of a vertically integrated manufacturing facility. This role drives operational excellence across machining, production, assembly, warehousing, and shipping while aligning day-to-day execution with long-term growth strategies. The VP of Operations ensures high performance by setting clear KPIs, developing leaders, implementing scalable systems, and fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Essential Job Duties:

Operational Leadership & Execution

• • Provide hands-on leadership of operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective execution across all departments (machine shop, assembly, warehousing, material handling, and shipping).
  • Establish, monitor, and deliver on key operational KPIs such as:
    • Safety
    • On-time delivery (OTD) performance
    • Labor and Equipment Efficiency
    • Scrap and rework rates
    • Inventory turns and working capital
    • EBITDA margin
  • Partner with Quality to maintain compliance with ISO, OSHA, and other regulatory and customer specific standards.
  • Ensure all safety programs are strictly adhered to, reducing incident rates and fostering a culture of "zero harm."

Strategic Planning & Growth Enablement

• • Lead the development and execution of long-term operational strategies that align with business growth objectives.
  • Evolve manufacturing systems and implement scalable processes that position the company as a world-class manufacturer.
  • Partner with the team on capacity planning, footprint expansion, and capital investment strategies.
  • Play a key role in evaluating, integrating, and scaling new acquisitions.

Financial & Cost Management

• • Drive cost-savings initiatives by identifying efficiency opportunities, reducing waste, and implementing Lean and Six Sigma methodologies.
  • Lead labor cost management, material cost optimization, and plant overhead controls while balancing product quality and delivery.
  • Partner with Finance to ensure accurate, timely cost accounting, forecasting, and budgeting.

Systems & Technology

• • Oversee implementation and optimization of ERP systems, ensuring accurate labor reporting, capacity planning, and cost tracking.
  • Leverage operational data and analytics to improve decision-making, increase transparency, and proactively manage bottlenecks.

Talent Development & Leadership

• • Directly lead, coach, and mentor plant managers, department heads, and other operational leaders.
  • Set performance goals and provide regular feedback through structured 1:1s, performance reviews, and development plans.
  • Build a strong leadership pipeline by fostering bench strength, succession planning, and cross-functional training opportunities.
  • Foster a servant-leadership style that motivates employees at all levels to deliver high productivity, accountability, and quality outcomes.

Continuous Improvement & Culture

• • Champion a culture of continuous improvement that emphasizes ownership, accountability, and collaboration across all levels of the organization.
  • Embed Lean Manufacturing principles into daily operations, driving measurable improvements in throughput, efficiency, and quality.
  • Establish and promote a culture of recognition, celebrating individual and team achievements tied to operational results.

Required Education/Experience:

• • 15+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with at least 7 years at the executive or senior leadership level. Experience with flow control devices a plus.
  • Proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in KPIs such as OEE, cost reductions, and on-time delivery.
  • Deep expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and operational excellence methodologies.
  • Strong financial acumen and experience managing large operational budgets.
  • Demonstrated success in coaching, mentoring, and developing high-performing teams.
  • ERP/MRP implementation and optimization experience required.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field required; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

About Control Devices, LLC

Control Devices, LLC ("Control Devices" or "CD") is a leading designer & manufacturer of high-quality flow control valves, condensate removal traps, related components & accessories serving the compressed air, pressure washer, vehicle systems, fire protection, specialty gas, & the industrial, agricultural & food service float valve markets. CD prides itself in the ability to design, innovate & manufacture flow control valves for custom applications & offers a line of standard products that has grown over the years. CD is based in Saint Louis, MO & its products are sold on a global basis to O.E.M.'s, Distributors & End Users.

CD offers competitive compensation, a comprehensive benefits package, paid time-off, steeled-toed shoes reimbursement, casual dress work environment, and a solid 401(k) retirement plan to promote financial security.

Control Devices, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Current Openings for Vice President of Operations Jobs at Control Devices LLC