SVP Global Operations - Manufacturing

Your Mission

The SVP of Global Operations oversees all operational functions across multiple manufacturing sites for a leading manufacturer of life safety systems, ensuring consistent production performance, quality, and efficiency. This leader drives global operational strategy, standardizes processes, and strengthens the company's manufacturing footprint. The ideal candidate brings deep experience in light manufacturing environments-where quality, throughput, and cost control must coexist with flexibility and rapid scaling.

This position is based in Marlborough, Massachusetts (Boston area). Travel time 40%-60% internationally.

How you will make a difference

• Strategic Operations Leadership - Develop and execute a global operations strategy aligned with production capacity, market demand, and cost targets. Lead global initiatives to improve manufacturing efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization. Establish operational KPIs for production, quality, safety, inventory and delivery across all facilities.
• Manufacturing & Production Oversight - Manage operations across four light-manufacturing plants, ensuring consistent output and adherence to production schedules. Implement standardized manufacturing processes, SOPs, and best practices across all regions. Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean, Six Sigma, or similar methodologies. Ensure equipment reliability through maintenance programs and capital improvement planning.
• Supply Chain & Logistics - Manage global supply chain operations, including procurement, inventory management, and vendor performance. Build and maintain strong supplier relationships including multiple single source suppliers to ensure material availability and cost efficiency. Optimize logistics networks to support on time delivery and minimize freight costs.
• Quality, Safety & Compliance - Ensure all facilities meet regulatory, environmental, and safety standards. Execute quality assurance programs to maintain product consistency and reduce defects. Ensure timely closure of root-cause analyses and corrective actions for production or quality issues.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with Engineering, R&D, Sales, and Finance to align production capabilities with product roadmaps and customer demand. Support new product introductions by coordinating manufacturing readiness and scaling plans. Facilitate communication between regional plant leaders and corporate leadership.
• Team Leadership & Development - Lead and mentor plant managers, operations leaders, and cross-functional teams across global sites. Build a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement. Develop workforce planning strategies to support growth, including training, hiring, and leadership development.
• Data-Driven Performance Management - Use operational data to identify bottlenecks, forecast capacity, and drive decision-making. Implement dashboards and reporting tools to monitor global performance. Present operational insights and recommendations to executive leadership.

What you should be good at

• Minimum ten years of operations leadership experience, including multi-site manufacturing oversight.
• Proven success in international companies with matrix organizational structures, serving cross-border customers.
• Strong track record in stakeholder management and collaboration across all organizational hierarchy levels.
• Experience in managing production in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing analytics tools.
• Strong background in light manufacturing environments (assembly, fabrication, packaging, or similar).
• Knowledge of ISO standards or other quality frameworks.
• Proven success implementing Lean, Six Sigma, or continuous improvement programs.
• Experience managing global supply chains and vendor networks.
• Bachelor's degree required in Operations Management, Engineering, Supply Chain, or related field.
• Preferred - Master's degree (MBA or related).
• Fluent in English, German helpful

What you can look forward to

• Industry Leadership: Join a global leader in safety solutions with over 130 years of expertise and a forward-looking vision.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy a robust benefits package, including medical/dental/vision insurance, short- and long-term disability and Life insurance and retirement plans with company matching.
• Competitive Pay: This is a salaried exempt position with a starting base pay range from $200,000 to $240,000 per year. Compensation will be based upon qualifications and experience.
• Travel: This position requires 40%-60% international travel. Manufacturing sites are located in Marlborough, Massachusetts, Germany, China, and UK.
• Flexible Work Environment: This role will begin working on site daily to learn our organization, with the opportunity to transition to hybrid schedule (M/T/W onsite, Th/F remote).
• Relocation Benefits are provided for this position.

Who we are

Join our global HOERBIGER team of over 6,000 colleagues and make a difference every day. Contribute to innovative solutions that save lives, reduce emissions, and drive progress in key industries like energy, automotive, and safety technology. Guided by our core values - Pioneering Spirit, Courage, Fairness, and Closeness - we are ENABLING CHANGE. FOR A BETTER TOMORROW. With opportunities to grow, learn, and collaborate across 43 countries and more than 133 locations, you'll be part of a culture that values your ideas and your impact.

HOERBIGER Safety Solutions / IEP Technologies (IEP), based in Marlborough MA, designs explosion protection solutions, manufactures explosion prevention components, and supports customers with responsive service to prevent and/suppress industrial explosions.

Ready to make a difference? Apply today and become part of our journey. #YouMakeADifference

HOERBIGER is an Equal Opportunity Employer • Drug Free Workplace • E-verify