A sponsor-backed manufacturer needs an operating leader on site now — because the seat is empty, because the thesis is behind schedule, or because the plan calls for structural change the incumbent team has never executed. You take the chair and run the plant network while the permanent search runs in parallel or the transformation completes.
Mandates vary by portfolio company. Common versions include modernizing plant layout and material flow, consolidating two or three sites into one, standing up a nearshore footprint to replace offshore capacity, or simply installing the daily management discipline that makes the rest of the plan possible.
What you'll own- Full P&L and operational accountability across one or more manufacturing sites
- Safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance against a sponsor-approved operating plan
- Plant consolidation or footprint change: sequencing, equipment moves, customer qualification, downtime management
- Layout and flow redesign to lift throughput without capital where possible
- Offshore-to-nearshore transitions, including supplier qualification and dual-running periods
- Stabilizing and developing the existing leadership team — you will likely be assessing your own successor
- Weekly reporting cadence to the CEO, board, and sponsor operating partner
Establish a factual operating baseline within three weeks. Identify the constraint. Publish a ranked value-lever list with sizing, owner, and confidence level. Get the top three moving.
What you bring- 15+ years in manufacturing operations, with at least 5 in a plant manager, VP Ops, or COO seat
- Direct experience carrying a P&L in a private-equity-owned or otherwise leveraged environment
- At least one completed plant consolidation, relocation, or major footprint change
- Fluency in lean operating systems — you can run a tiered daily management structure, not just describe one
- Comfort operating without a full staff, a clean data set, or a long runway
- Willingness to be on site five days a week
Strong plus: prior interim work; multi-site network experience; nearshoring into Mexico or Central America; union environment experience.
Skills Required
- 15+ years of experience in manufacturing operations
- At least 5 years in a Plant Manager, VP of Operations, or COO role
- Direct P&L ownership in a private-equity-owned or otherwise leveraged environment
- Completed at least one plant consolidation, relocation, or major footprint change
- Fluency in lean operating systems, including tiered daily management
- Comfort operating without a full staff, clean data set, or long runway
- Willingness to work onsite five days per week
- Prior interim operating experience
- Multi-site manufacturing network experience
- Nearshoring experience in Mexico or Central America
- Union environment experience
What We Do
Value Driven Solutions (VDS) is an operational-excellence consulting firm serving middle-market companies, private-equity firms, and portfolio companies. It improves operational and financial performance through supply-chain optimization, operations, finance, technology, procurement, strategic consulting, and vetted interim executives. VDS also applies Lean Six Sigma, automation, robotics, AI, and analytics to strengthen efficiency, margins, capital efficiency, and enterprise value, with measurable, lasting results.
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