Vice President of Operations
Swagelok Northern CaliforniaDescription The primary purpose of the Vice President of Operations role is to build and lead the operational capabilities needed to execute the company's strategic priorities. This role is responsible for ensuring Assembly, Warehouse Operations, Planning & Scheduling, and Estimating operate as an integrated system that safely delivers quality products, responds effectively to customer demand, and supports profitable growth through disciplined execution, continuous improvement, and proactive capacity planning. Success in this role is measured by continuous improvement in operational reliability and process maturity, as shown by sustained On-Time-to-Need-Date (OTND) performance, a quality management system that continues to strengthen through disciplined feedback loops, and a leadership bench that grows in capability year over year. This role is expected to identify opportunities for improvement early and act on them quickly, treating speed of response as a core measure of leadership effectiveness. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership: Translate the strategic plan into a rolling operational roadmap with clear milestones, owners, and resourcing, and raise resourcing needs and emerging risks with the executive team as soon as they are identified rather than at the next scheduled review. Own the Quality Management System (QMS) within Operations, including documentation, capability enhancement, audit readiness, and continuous improvement cadence; drive improvement commitments to on-schedule completion and escalate blockers immediately. Adapt operational plans and priorities to changes in circumstances, direction, strategy, and work environment. Operational Execution: Oversee and improve the performance of Estimating and Planning, Assembly Services Production, Manufacturing Engineering, and Warehouse Operations through subordinate leaders. Lead the direct labor workforce development program to build the capability needed to meet customer needs to Swagelok quality standards. Lead proactive capacity planning across Assembly, Warehouse, and Planning & Scheduling, aligning workforce, equipment, and certification coverage with current and forecasted demand. Workforce Development: Partner with HR to improve performance management, training, and succession planning programs, providing input on Operations-specific needs and opportunities. Expand assembly technician certifications across disciplines to build a cross-trained workforce that can shift to meet demand. Identify high-potential associates for advancement and partner with HR on succession and leadership pipeline planning. Supervisory Responsibilities: Staffing & Team Leadership Interview, hire, onboard, and train new associates. Lead, coach, and mentor associates to build technical capability, professional growth, and career development. Maintain strong, professional relationships with associates through consistent communication, trust, and responsiveness, recognizing that the manager-associate relationship is the foundation of team engagement and performance. Maintain consistent leadership practices and fair application of company policies and procedures. Translate company goals, expectations, and communications so associates clearly understand and align with them. Resolve conflicts and associate concerns using appropriate communication and escalation channels. Department Operations Oversee the efficient and effective daily operations of the department. Ensure alignment between financial management, procurement, inventory control, and operational execution. Performance Management Conduct regular performance conversations with associates, including review of department goals, key metrics, and individualized training plans aligned with position requirements. Promote associate development by supporting technical, interpersonal, and educational growth through formal training, on-the-job learning, rotational assignments, and continuous development opportunities. Establish performan…