Vice President Operations
About Us
We are a global climate technologies company engineered for sustainability. We create sustainable and efficient residential, commercial and industrial spaces through HVACR technologies. We protect temperature-sensitive goods throughout the cold chain. And we bring comfort to people globally. Best-in-class engineering, design and manufacturing combined with category-leading brands in compression, controls, software and monitoring solutions result in next-generation climate technology that is built for the needs of the world ahead.
Whether you are a professional looking for a career change, an undergraduate student exploring your first opportunity, or recent graduate with an advanced degree, we have opportunities that will allow you to innovate, be challenged and make an impact. Join our team and start your journey today!
Description
Seeking an experienced executive to oversee all operations functions globally – operations, procurement, supply chain, trade compliance, and manufacturing for the Copeland Industrial business. Reporting to the Copeland Industrial VP/GM, this executive leader will be responsible for developing and implementing the operations strategy in alignment with company objectives and driving operational excellence in a complex manufacturing environment characterized by a mix of configured-to-order (CTO), and custom engineered-to-order (ETO) product strategies. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience leading machining, assembly, and distribution operations, with a proven track record of leveraging lean principles in highly complex, mixed-model environments with a long SKU tail. This role will also contribute to global strategic initiatives, driving standardization, quality, and continuous improvement while maintaining responsiveness to customer-specific requirements.
As the Vice President of Operation, you will:
- Provide executive leadership for all operational functions ensuring alignment with company goals on safety, quality, delivery and cost
- Contribute to and support global operational strategies, including best practice sharing, process standardization, and platform development across regions
- Champion a culture of safety, ownership, and operational excellence, building organizational capability and bench strength through mentoring and developing teams
- Oversee end-to-end production and supply chain execution for a low-volume, high-mix customization product portfolio to reduce lead time and cost, while improving inventory turnover and on time delivery
- Drive optimization of the Oracle ERP system, enhancing configurability, traceability, scheduling, and real-time data access for decision-making across functions
- Implement and mature lean manufacturing principles, with a strong focus on reducing waste, improving flow, and increasing throughput
- Establish performance metrics and KPIs for all key operational areas and drive continuous improvement using structured problem-solving methodologies ((5S, Value-Stream Mapping, Standard Work, Lean Daily Management (SQDIP), SMED, RCCM structured problem solving)
- Lead initiatives to improve inventory accuracy, material flow, and warehouse optimization, ensuring seamless integration between production and distribution
- Partner cross-functionally with Engineering, Sales, and Finance to align production operations with product lifecycle needs and market demands
Required education, experiences & skills:
- Bachelor’s degree in Operations, Management, Engineering, or related field
- 10+ years of experience in manufacturing, specifically at a plant staff level for at least five (5) years
- Extensive experience in and knowledge of operations, continuous improvement, LEAN manufacturing, and structured problem solving
- Strong analytic and decision-making abilities
- Exceptional communication, presentation, and facilitation skills with all levels in an organization and internal and external audiences, specifically customer-facing issues
- Experience partnering closely with and advising senior leadership and executives
- Demonstrated effectiveness in building teams and developing talent
- Strong proficiency in project and program management approaches and tools
- Ability to travel up to 50%
Preferred education, experiences & skills
- MBA or related advanced degree
- Direct plant management experience with full P&L
- Managed multiple sites/international experience
- Experience in Industrial Refrigeration/Gas industry
Why Work in the Greater Milwaukee Area
Cudahy is a quaint community located in Milwaukee County, where clean neighborhoods mingle with acres of parkland, major transportation access, and big-city attractions all within an arm's reach, with a small-town feel. Cudahy has six county parks and 823 acres of parkland, seasonal farmers markets in front of City Hall, and miles of beautiful lake Michigan shoreline. With lots of community involvement, the city has many family-friendly events throughout the year.
The area is home to several major league sports teams, including the Milwaukee Bucks and Milwaukee Brewers, with Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers, just 2 hours away!
Traveling in and out of the area is also a breeze! General Mitchell International Airport is just minutes away, with Chicago O’Hare International Airport just a little over an hour away.
About Our Location
The 150-year history of the Vilter brand tells a rich story of perseverance and drive to cultivate continuous innovation within the industrial refrigeration and gas compression industries. We offer the latest products and solutions for industrial refrigerators and oil and gas compression. Approximately 300 employees work in Cudahy, who all support a multitude of business functions. With the blend of businesses and functions represented under this one roof, there are many opportunities for advancement within the Cudahy location.
Collaboration First Hybrid Work Arrangements:
This role is hybrid eligible with the requirement to be in office at least three days per week. Colleagues are expected to demonstrate a collaboration first mindset, which is the understanding that teams will work together in-person and colleagues should be flexible to adjust their hybrid days based on business needs. You will have an opportunity to work with your team and leader to determine when you should be in office to drive meaningful connections and to best serve our customers.
#LI-FS1
Our Commitment to Our People
Across the globe, we are united by a singular Purpose: Sustainability is no small ambition. That’s why everything we do is geared toward a sustainable future—for our generation and all those to come. Through groundbreaking innovations, HVACR technology and cold chain solutions, we are reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency in spaces of all sizes, from residential to commercial to industrial.
Our employees are our greatest strength. We believe that our culture of passion, openness, and collaboration empowers us to work toward the same goal - to make the world a better place. We invest in the end-to-end development of our people, beginning at onboarding and through senior leadership, so they can thrive personally and professionally.
Flexible and competitive benefits plans offer the right options to meet your individual/family needs: medical insurance plans, dental and vision coverage, 401(k) and more. We provide employees with flexible time off plans, including paid parental leave, vacation and holiday leave.
Together, we have the opportunity – and the power – to continue to revolutionize the technology behind air conditioning, heating and refrigeration, and cultivate a better future. Learn more about us and how you can join our team!
Our Commitment to Inclusion & Belonging
At Copeland, we cultivate a strong sense of inclusion and belonging where individuals of all backgrounds, and with diverse perspectives, are embraced and treated fairly to enable a stronger workforce. Our employee resource groups play an important role in culture and community building at Copeland.
Work Authorization
Copeland will only employ those who are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is not a position for which sponsorship will be provided. Individuals with temporary visas such as E, F-1 with OPT or CPT, H-1, H-2, L-1, B, J or TN, or who need sponsorship for work authorization now or in the future, are not eligible for hire.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Copeland is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace free of any discrimination or harassment.
If you have a disability and are having difficulty accessing or using this website to apply for a position, please contact: copeland.careers@copeland.com
Average salary estimate
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