VP of Operations

Description

JOB SUMMARY:

The General Manager reports directly to the President and leads the Watertown, Connecticut location. This role translates company strategy into daily execution and is accountable for site performance in safety, quality, delivery, cost, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction.

As a member of the Leadership Team, the General Manager establishes operational controls, reporting systems, and performance expectations to improve profitability, workforce development, manufacturing efficiency, and long-term business sustainability. The role collaborates with Sales, Finance, Engineering, Human Resources, Quality, and Operations across locations.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Operational Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead daily site operations and align departmental priorities, resources, and execution with company strategy.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and monitor performance indicators for safety, quality, on-time delivery, labor efficiency, inventory accuracy, first-pass yield, productivity, and profitability.
• Use operational reports and dashboards to identify performance gaps, assign corrective actions, and monitor results.

Process & Financial Performance:

• Manage site operational budgeting, labor planning, cost controls, and financial performance in collaboration with Finance and within approved authority.
• Lead initiatives to reduce waste, improve workflow, standardize processes, and apply lean manufacturing principles.
• Coordinate production priorities and resource planning across departments and locations to support customer commitments.
• Evaluate and implement approved technology, automation, and AI-enabled tools where appropriate to improve efficiency and reduce non-value-added work.

Safety, Quality & Customer Collaboration:

• Manage and continuously improve the site safety program in coordination with designated company resources; ensure adherence to applicable company policies and safety and environmental requirements.
• Ensure site adherence to applicable quality management systems and ISO requirements; support audits, root cause analysis, corrective actions, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with Sales, Engineering, Quality, and customer-facing teams to address customer needs, delivery commitments, product quality, and issue resolution.

Leadership & Talent Development:

• Lead and mentor department managers and operational leaders to improve accountability, consistency, and professional development.
• Develop succession plans and leadership development initiatives to strengthen organizational depth and business continuity.
• Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, employee

Requirements

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide site-level leadership and oversight of department managers and operational leaders within the assigned reporting structure.
• Establish performance expectations, provide regular feedback, and assess development needs in coordination with Human Resources and company leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Skills & Competencies:

• Strong business acumen and understanding of manufacturing operations, finance, quality systems, supply chain, customer service, sales support, and workforce management.
• Ability to lead operational change, build trust, and develop accountability and employee engagement across organizational levels.
• Proficiency in manufacturing metrics, operational reporting, financial analysis, and cost controls.
• Experience implementing process improvements, lean manufacturing initiatives, and operational standardization.
• Ability to use ERP/MRP systems, reporting tools, and other business systems to improve operational effectiveness.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or a related field preferred, but not required.
• At least eight years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing, printing, converting, industrial production, or a related operational environment.
• Demonstrated success leading teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment with responsibility for operational performance and measurable business results.
• Experience with custom manufacturing, technical products, labels, graphic overlays, membrane switches, or related industries preferred.
• Experience managing within ISO-certified or regulated manufacturing environments preferred.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present information internally and externally across organizational levels.
• Bilingual English/Spanish communication skills strongly preferred to support employee engagement, training, and operational communication.

MATHEMATICAL & ANALYTICAL SKILLS:

• Ability to interpret budgets, labor and production data, costs, inventory reports, and operational performance trends.
• Ability to use data to evaluate priorities, identify causes of performance gaps, and assess improvement results.

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to think and act strategically and tactically, manage competing priorities, and make sound operational decisions.
• Ability to analyze problems, evaluate alternatives, and coordinate practical solutions across departments.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Work is performed in office and manufacturing settings, with exposure to moving production equipment when entering production areas.
• Follow applicable site safety procedures and use required personal protective equipment in designated areas.
• Travel to customers, vendors, and JN White corporate as needed.

Position Type and Compensation
This is a full-time, salaried, exempt position based in Watertown, Connecticut. The annual base salary range is $120,000–$150,000. Compensation within this range will be determined based on relevant experience, qualifications, skills, and internal equity.

Benefits
JN White offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, with premium costs shared between the employee and employer. A variety of ancillary insurance benefits are also available; employee contributions and employer contributions, where applicable, vary by coverage elected.

Additional benefits include paid time off (PTO), paid holidays, a 401(k) retirement plan, and profit sharing. Benefits are subject to applicable eligibility requirements, waiting periods, company policies, and governing plan documents. Profit sharing is subject to plan terms and is not guaranteed.

Equal Employment Opportunity
JN White is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Reasonable Accommodations
JN White provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees as required by applicable law. Applicants who need an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process may contact Human Resources.

Employment Disclaimer
This posting describes the general nature of the position and does not constitute an offer of employment or an employment contract. Employment with JN White is at will, subject to applicable law. Duties and responsibilities may change based on business needs.

Salary Description

$120,000 - $150,000 DOE