VP of Operations

Samson, the worldwide leader in high performance cordage, is seeking a VP of Operations. As a member of the Executive Management team, the VP of Operations assumes a strategic role in the overall management of the company. The VP of Operations will have primary responsibility for the direction, strategy, planning and execution of the company’s global Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Quality and Customer Service functions. Responsible for practicing a high level of business ethics and professionalism and adhering to safety and quality guidelines in support of Samson strategy and core values.

Who You Are:

• Strong problem solver who uses data and critical analysis to make sound business decisions and isn’t afraid to think outside the box. 
• Results oriented and does not compromise integrity for results. 
• Solid business acumen to include understanding business model, customer base, value proposition, business processes, and financial statements in order to critically provide input in an intelligent and credible manner.
• Strong sense of urgency and bias for action. Done intelligently, not recklessly, this action orientation, coupled with an ability to quickly adjust course as needed, drives agility.
• Able to build relationships and establish credibility at all levels in the organization, with suppliers, customers, and company ownership. 
• Strong communication skills with an attention to detail ability to present information in a concise and effective way at all levels in the organization including company owners.
• Ability to provide leadership, build teams, manage, and develop staff.
• Effectively use analytical and problem-solving skills that assist business decision-making. Compiling, analyzing, and using appropriate data to support ideas and facilitate decision-making is crucial as is the ability to balance meeting short-term business goals without sacrificing or negatively impacting long-term business prospects. 
• Have the functional and technical knowledge and skills to do the job at a high level of accomplishment including ability to work autonomously and be self-directed.
• Ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced, changing environment.
• Ability to travel up to 25% to 35% of the time by air; must have valid documentation to travel internationally.

What You’ll Do:

• Direct and oversee all aspects of the global Quality, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Customer Service functions of the organization.
• Closely monitor operating performance against the financial plan and, where appropriate, make adjustments to capitalize on emerging opportunities or changing conditions. 
• Ensure understanding of and support for Company strategy, core values and operational goals within areas of responsibility. 
• Participate in the development of Company strategies and provide recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities. 
• Prepare annual strategic briefs, business plans and budgets for areas of responsibility. 
• Provide leadership in the development and execution of short and long-term strategic department objectives aligned with overall company strategy and goals. 
• Develop and implement programs to foster creativity and ensure the timely delivery of new, industry-leading technology and products to markets to maintain and enhance competitive advantage 
• Create an environment that fosters partnership and teamwork across departments throughout the company. 
• Play an active role in senior-level negotiations with customer and supplier partners. 
• Identifies, recommends, and implements new processes, technologies, and systems to improve and streamline organizational processes and use of resources and materials. 
• Develop and implement a practical, well-conceived Operations Group Organization Capabilities Development Plan to further strengthen management and employee capabilities, optimize employee development and utilization, and ensure effective participation in continuous improvement efforts.
• Provide functional expertise and analysis in support of M&A initiatives including due diligence, post-closing integration planning and execution. 
• Ensure global manufacturing capabilities meet or exceed business requirements for quality and service and are sufficient to support company growth objectives.

What You Should Have:

Education:  Bachelor’s Degree in business administration, Engineering, or other related field. A Master’s Degree is preferred. 

Experience: 10+ years of progressively responsible related experience in manufacturing company including 5+ years of experience in a senior leader/management role with the responsibility for manufacturing or engineering operations. Experience in Lean principles.

Desired experience in the following:

• Manufacturing industry (Private) 
• Midsize companies
• Multi-location and international experience
• Quality Management Systems
• Outsourcing 
• Lean and agile methodology 
• Cost Management
• Supplier Strategic Management

Our Team Enjoys Best-in-Class Benefits: 

• We enjoy ample paid time away from the office with PTO accrual for vacation or sick leave, 10 paid holidays, a paid personal day, and paid volunteer time each year. 
• We prioritize our employees’ wellbeing and offer comprehensive and affordable Health, Dental and Vision insurance for employees and family. We also offer free Mental Health benefits and an optional free Wellness Plan to reduce employee cost of health insurance. 
• We celebrate our success as a team and offer annual profit sharing and bonus structures based on position. 
• We invest in our employees’ futures by offering a generous 401k match up to 6% of salary. We also offer tuition reimbursement for choosing to further your education. 
• We ensure our employees are taken care of during unexpected events, offering paid bereavement leave, employer-paid life and disability insurance, and paid jury duty leave. 
• All benefits are offered in accordance with our plan documents and policies. 

Compensation:

Targeted Hiring Wage: $222,000 - $250,000 annually 

Hiring rate will depend on qualifications and experience. 

Samson has established wage scales for all of our positions, which are based on a minimum and maximum. The targeted hiring rate above is set to allow for employee’s growth within the role. The full range for this position is $222,000 (min) - $370,139 (max) annually.

About Us:

With over 140 years in the synthetic rope industry, we are focused on meeting the needs of demanding customer applications. At Samson, we’re not just about developing innovative synthetic rope solutions. We also pride ourselves on providing the industry’s best service. From pre-sale to installation to post delivery follow-up, we want to ensure that we maximize customer experiences to the fullest potential through continually inventing, refining, and optimizing our products.

This is an outstanding opportunity to join a team of pioneers keenly focused on making products that not only meet but exceed expectations. That ambition is reflected in our culture of ingenuity and attention to detail. But at the end of the day, it’s our people, not just our products, that make Samson a dynamic company to work for. 

Samson Rope is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

We are a drug free, tobacco free workplace and an Equal Opportunity Employer (Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran). Employment is contingent on a successful background and elicit drug screen.