Do you want to be the VP OF OPERATIONS at Autocar?

Who are we?  Autocar is the only American truck manufacturer focused on trucks for severe-duty vocational applications. But above all, Autocar is focused on our customers:  Our truck helps our customers to be more successful and to achieve their challenging objectives.

Autocar’s hundreds of customers include every national waste-hauling fleet, major cities such as Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Miami, and Charlotte, and many of the largest retailers and freight handlers in North America.

As the industry's technology and innovation leader, Autocar has forged strong partnerships with the leading suppliers in the business, including, Allison, Cummins, ArvinMeritor, Hendrickson among others, and has delivered more natural gas vehicles than all of our competitors combined. 

Your Mission

The Vice President of Operations will be responsible for providing strategic leadership, operational and delivery excellence in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in vehicle manufacturing or assembly, possess high energy, and have a demonstrated track record of leading teams to success. They should be process-driven and have a strong background in manufacturing assembly and supply chain management. Experience in lower volume, custom production and a demonstrated Lean process philosophy are highly desirable. The VP of Operations should have a proven ability to lead change, manage financial results, drive a maximization mindset and should exhibit commitment, loyalty, and be a developer of talent.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Provide strategic direction and leadership to the operations team, driving continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Vehicle Manufacturing or Assembly: Experience in vehicle manufacturing or assembly is considered a plus, with a deep understanding of production processes and quality control in this industry.
• High Energy: Possess a high level of energy and enthusiasm, inspiring and motivating teams to achieve their full potential.
• Strong Team Leadership: Demonstrate a proven track record of successfully leading teams to achieve exceptional results, fostering a culture of high performance and collaboration.
• Process-Driven Approach: Implement and optimize efficient and effective processes across operations, focusing on driving continuous improvement and streamlining workflows.
• Talent Development: Be a developer of talent, nurturing the growth and potential of team members and building a strong pipeline of future leaders within the organization.
• Lower Volume Custom Production Experience: Experience in lower volume custom production is a plus, with the ability to manage complex production requirements and customization.
• Manufacturing Assembly and Supply Chain Background: Possess a strong background in manufacturing assembly and supply chain management, ensuring smooth operations and optimal material flow.
• Lean Process Philosophy: Demonstrate a deep understanding and implementation of Lean process philosophy, driving efficiency, waste reduction, and operational cost savings.
• Change Management: Successfully lead change initiatives within the organization, such as turnarounds or greenfield establishments, while adapting to high growth or rapid shrinking situations.
• Financial Results Focus: Demonstrate a strong focus on financial results and profitability, driving cost optimization and revenue growth within the operations function.
• Maximization Mindset: Foster a mindset of maximizing operational efficiency, resource utilization, and business growth opportunities.
• Commitment and Loyalty: Exhibit a deep commitment and loyalty to the organization's mission, values, and objectives, leading by example and fostering a positive work environment.
• Outcome and Results Focus: Drive a results-oriented culture, setting and achieving ambitious targets, and ensuring accountability for performance and operational outcomes.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Possess exceptional problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and implement effective solutions.
• Sense of Urgency and Detail Orientation: Exhibit a sense of urgency in executing tasks and projects while maintaining attention to detail and quality standards.
• Proven Planner: Demonstrate strong planning skills, capable of creating and executing comprehensive operational strategies that align with the organization's objectives.
• Experience with Complex ERP Systems: Possess experience in utilizing and optimizing complex Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to enhance operational efficiency and data management.

If you meet the qualifications outlined above and are a dynamic, results-focused leader with a strong background in manufacturing operations, we invite you to apply for the position of Vice President of Operations.

Where will you work? This role is based in Hagerstown, Indiana.

What do we offer in benefits? We offer an attractive compensation and benefits package, to include base salary and benefits such as medical/dental/vision options, retirement/401K plans, etc.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs / OKRs)

• Achieve daily, weekly and monthly operations targets, volume as required by QAD sequence and Scheduler requirements; Achieve First Time Yield of 90%+
• Achieve 98%+ daily schedule attainment and delivery to customer promised date
• Achieve less than 2 Defects Per Unit (DPU) on the line and 90%+ First Pass Yield
• Achieve expected Hours Per Vehicle (HPV) productivity outcomes established annually (with YOY improvement)
• Achieve internal inventory accuracy of 99%+ (Production and Warehouse locations)
• Achieve Operational Excellence recognition (based on the Shingo model) by EOY 2025
• Achieve Strategic Promises for Operations by EOY 2024 and developing into 2025 to meet targets
• Achieve process standardization, volume, First Time Yield of 90%+ for all EVs in 2024; develop Alternative Fuels vehicle plan for 2025+
• Achieve Production / Operations personnel targets to meet daily, weekly, monthly targets, ensure consistent training with continuous improvement implantation milestones and retention reduced to meet targets by EOY 2024
• Achieve process standardization across Operations in 2024
• Outline effective 3-year Operational Plan for achievement of all KPI’s, receive sign-off and execute to plan

Required Skills

Ability to step into the “shop-floor”, solve problems and actively work with the operations team
In depth practice of management and leadership skills to drive operational results
“Walk the talk” lean practitioner that has experience transforming operations into lean high quality operations.
Knowledge of budgeting, costing and accounting principles relevant to the industry and market in which the organization operates
Knowledge of lean continuous improvement measures and processes and benchmarking tools to measure against peers
Knowledge of (technological and IT) trends and best practices in the sector
Situational leadership skills with regards to different target groups
Cultural expertise
Practical understanding of people management implications during change and transformation projects
 

Required Qualifications

At least 5 years’ experience as VP of Operations in a Lean manufacturing environment
Demonstrable competency in transforming organizations to lean principles, and management of large diverse staff and strategic planning
Proven track record of executing organization Change Plans and delivery of results
Working knowledge of data analysis and performance/operation metrics
Outstanding organizational management and leadership abilities to deliver results
Excellent interpersonal skills
Aptitude in decision-making and problem-solving
Comfortable with constant change
Strategic mindset and planning capabilities
Very strong lean management skills