Vice President of Operations
Description Cascade Engineering is a Family of Companies that invests in our triple bottom line philosophy - People, Planet and Profit. We have been in business for over 50 years in Grand Rapids, Michigan. We manufacture injection molding/plastic products for automotive, office furniture, polymer compounding, waste and recycling industries. We focus on driving organizational excellence through a people centered leadership culture based on the principles of 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Are you looking for a positive and encouraging environment? Are you seeking a position where you are included, recognized and celebrated? You belong here! Are you excited for what is ahead? We are too! Scope of Responsibility As Vice President of Operations, you'll lead enterprise-level manufacturing strategy and execution across multiple facilities, with full accountability for safety, quality, delivery, and cost. Reporting to the President, this role oversees manufacturing, engineering, program management, supply chain, and continuous improvement, driving both operational excellence and long-term transformation. What You'll Be Doing Executive LeadershipProvide strategic direction and executive oversight across Manufacturing, Maintenance, Quality, Supply Chain, Product Engineering, and Program ManagementPartner with the President and executive team to shape and execute long-term operational strategyBuild a high-performance culture grounded in safety, accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement Manufacturing & Operations LeadershipEnsure safe, efficient, and high-quality manufacturing across all facilitiesDrive productivity, cost competitiveness, workforce engagement, and operational consistencyMaintain world-class manufacturing standards for injection molding, extrusion and secondary processes Program ManagementLead the Program Management function and ensure disciplined, predictable execution of all programsEstablish governance, standards, and performance metrics that enable on-time, on-cost, and on-quality deliveryDrive cross-functional alignment and accountability to meet customer and business commitmentsDevelop program management talent and organizational capability Engineering & InnovationPartner with Product Engineering leadership to ensure engineering strategies, priorities, and standards align with operational capabilities, cost targets, and customer requirementsProvide enterprise oversight for manufacturability, process readiness, and launch excellence, ensuring new products transition smoothly from development to productionCollaborate with Engineering leadership on capital strategy, facility layouts, automation, and equipment selection to support long-term operational performance and scalabilityServe as an escalation and integration point to resolve cross-functional tradeoffs impacting safety, quality, delivery, cost, or timingEnsure operational feedback loops inform product and process design to drive continuous improvement and innovation Integrated Supply ChainPartner with Supply Chain leadership to align sourcing, logistics, inventory, and supplier strategies with operational needs, cost targets, and customer commitmentsProvide operational input into make/buy, footprint, and capacity decisions to optimize total enterprise performanceEnsure manufacturing, procurement, and logistics operate with aligned KPIs, planning rhythms, and escalation processesCollaborate on supplier development initiatives to improve quality, delivery, cost, and risk mitigation across the value streamEnsure warehouse and logistics strategies support current operations and future growth Drive Operational Excellence (Lean/TPM/CES) Champion Lean, TPM, and the Cascade Enterprise Lean System (CES)Ensure KPI alignment across all facilitiesImplement systems and processes that enhance transparency, efficiency, and performanceDevelop and execute the operational strategy and manufacturing footprint planEstablish and manage operational budgets and capital plansOwn COGP performance and ensure Operations leaders have the tools to manage P&LsUse financial data and KPIs to set priorities and drive improvement Compliance & GovernanceEnsure compliance with IATF 16949, ISO-14001 and all regulatory requirementsMaintain world-class safety standards and environmental stewardship People & CultureBuild, develop, and mentor a strong leadership teamEnsure training and development programs support current and future operational needsFoster a culture that reflects our values of dignity, respect, inclusion, and continuous improvement Measures of SuccessYear-over-year improvement in safety, quality, delivery, and cost metricsSustained Lean/TPM maturity improvements across all facilitiesImproved capital effectiveness (OEE, utilization, ROI)Bench strength and succession planning readinessTechnological advancement (Industry 4.0, AI)On time and on budget product launches Culture BearerUnderstands and supports the values of the Triple Bottom Line (TBL)Exhibits high moral and ethical standards and high integrityValues people regardless of their backgroundExhibits the traits of a servant leaderExhibit the principles of 7 Habits and Emotional IntelligenceEncourages open dialogue and communicationDevelops high trust relationships within all levels of the organizationPursues Excellence At Cascade Engineering, we welcome and celebrate diversity and inclusion. We are committed to fostering an authentic workplace where everyone belongs and thrives, and we look forward to welcoming candidates who are enthusiastic about contributing to our community. If you are passionate about this role, we encourage you to apply. We recognize that women and people of color are often underrepresented in manufacturing and want to see this change. When making hiring decisions, we believe in considering the whole person and the life experiences they bring to our teams. Our diversity drives our innovation and has been integral to our success. RequirementsBachelor's degree in engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or a related field; master's degree/MBA strongly preferred15+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing operations, quality, maintenance, engineering, program management, and/or supply chain management5+ years in a senior executive role overseeing complex, multi-site manufacturing operationsExperience in manufacturing plastics, including injection molding or comparable processesDemonstrated expertise in Lean Manufacturing, TPM, ERP systems, and integrated supply chain managementStrong financial and analytical acumen, with a proven ability to drive improvements in cost, quality, delivery, safety, and innovationExcellent executive leadership capabilities, with a track record of developing high-performing teams and leading large-scale organizational changeProven effectiveness in strategic planning and execution, cross-functional collaboration, and operational/engineering excellenceCustomer-focused mindset with the ability to build strong internal and external relationships PreferredAdvanced education (MBA or master's degree in engineering, Operations, or Business)Deep experience in plastics manufacturing or injection molding-intensive environmentsExperience leading enterprise-level operational transformation, growth, or business transitionsStrong technology orientation, including ERP, advanced analytics, automation, or Industry 4.0 initiativesExternal industry involvement, professional networking, or participation in manufacturing associationsExperience supporting sustainability, environmental performance, or Triple Bottom Line initiatives BenefitsMedical, Dental, Vision Insurance - Starting on Day 1Life Insurance (Company Paid and Supplemental)401K with match - Starting on Day 1Flex Spending and Health Savings AccountsQuarterly Bonus ProgramPaid Time OffEmployee Assistance ProgramShort- and Long-Term Disability (Company Paid)Onsite Medical Clinic PerksWeekly PayChildcare Assistance (Tri-Share)Flexible Hours & SchedulingAttendance Recognition ProgramVoucher programs for Safety Shoes and Prescription Safety GlassesEmployee Discount ProgramsEmployee Referral & Retention Bonus ProgramAdoption AssistanceTuition ReimbursementFree Uniforms / T-shirtsEmployee Resource GroupsSmoking Cessation Products and Programs I IND1 I