VP of Operations

About Us:

Headquartered in St. Louis, MO, USA, Afinitas is the global market leader for pipe and precast concrete equipment, forming systems and concrete accessories used to build the world’s critical transportation, water and utility infrastructure systems. Afinitas is known for the innovative technologies and services it provides through its trusted HawkeyePedershaab, BFS, New Hampton Metal Fab and other well-known brands, which customers have relied upon for decades. Afinitas is a part of BW Forsyth Partners, LLC, the investment arm of Barry-Wehmiller, a $3 billion organization with nearly 12,000 team members united by a common belief: to use the power of business to build a better world.

 

 

Job Description:

The VP, Operations – Equipment & Automation (E&A), is responsible for leading Afinitas’s global Equipment & Automation (E&A) operations, providing strategic leadership for all global manufacturing locations. The VP, Operations – E&A, will work with senior leadership to guide the business and improve operations, drive direct margin performance and level loading, across all sites.

Please note: This position is targeted to be an onsite role at one of our Midwest Afinitas sites (Mediapolis, IA, New Hampton, IA, or St. Louis, MO). Candidates who are either in a city with a major airport or in a drivable radius to be onsite within 2-3 hours will also be considered.

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop a strategy for level loading across the E&A platform, with a focus on operational efficiency and margin optimization.

• Drive engagement and accountability for Safety, passionately pursuing genuine leadership and individual ownership for the safety and wellbeing of team members in your span of care. Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations issued by federal, state, and local regulatory agencies.

• Create, manage, and control global operational budgets, monitor expenditures, and drive initiatives to reduce costs and maximize profitability.

• Direct and measure global manufacturing processes, ensuring finished goods meet required quality standards, delivery targets, and customer expectations.

• Implement robust quality assurance and control systems to maintain high product quality and foster a culture of continuous improvement.

• Lead, mentor, and develop global manufacturing site leaders and teams, fostering a productive, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.

• Identify opportunities for operational improvements, implementing best practices to enhance efficiency, productivity, and scalability.

• Able to build strong partnerships within the division, and drive accountability for operations, business development and profitability.

• Build strong partnerships within the division, especially with the VP, Engineering – E&A to ensure Engineering standards are driven through to production and overall divisional objectives are achieved.

• Influence internal teams to rise to the challenge of meeting customer needs/wants and help galvanize teams to meet critical objectives; ensuring all customer expectations (both internal and external) are met.

 

QUALIFICATIONS

• A successful blend of entrepreneurial disposition and established business experience to effectively lead the division through operational improvement and growth.

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree with 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in business leadership.

• Progressive leadership experience in global operations and cost accounting, with multi-site/entity and multi-currency environment preferred.

• Executive presence and dynamic interpersonal skills, with the ability to navigate complexity with diplomacy and integrity.

• Excellent team building and change management skills, with the leadership skillset to recruit, train, coach, and mentor top-quality team members at both Division and operating site level. Be a team player and foster teamwork across sites and teams.

• Strong problem-solving and strategic thinking skills for assessing needs and recommending changes.

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, that conveys a message that is clear, concise and compelling, with proper direction.

• Frequent domestic and periodic international travel will be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This is an office position that will require travel to a manufacturing facility. The employee must be able to correctly wear and use any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required by the employer when in the manufacturing area.

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At Barry-Wehmiller we recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job.  If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.  We know that our differences often can bring about innovation, excellence and meaningful work—therefore, people from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply to our positions.  Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodations during the interview process. ​

Barry-Wehmiller is an equal opportunity employer. M/F/D/V This organization uses E-Verify.

 

Applicants may be subject to pre-employment screening which may include drug screening, reference checks, employment verifications, background screening and/or skills assessments.

 

Company:

Afinitas