VP of Operations

Please note US citizenship is a requirement of employment in this role due to customer security requirements, with significant presence required in Arizona

PowerPhotonic is a private equity-backed, world-leader in the design and manufacture of high-performance, precision optics for the laser industry, serving a variety of end-point-customers across defense, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and communications. 

PowerPhotonic was formed in 2004, and its talented team operates across two facilities: with its core research, development, business operations, and manufacturing hub in Dalgety Bay, Scotland, and new facility in Sahuarita, Arizona, which mirrors UK capabilities and is rapidly gaining new customers within the defense industry in the USA. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a scaling, optics and photonics product engineering business and assume responsibility for manufacturing operations across the US and UK. 

You will manage the execution of operational delivery programmes and manufacturing operations for both PowerPhotonic sites in Sahuarita (Arizona) and Dalgety Bay (Scotland), and a total headcount of  52. 

Each site serves a variety of differing customers, with the US primarily focused on serving customers within the defence industry, and the UK having a more diverse split across defence, medical devices and communication industries. 

The VP of Operations is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the organization, ensuring efficiency and effectiveness across various departments. This position requires a combination of strategic thinking, proven leadership, and operational expertise to drive the company towards its goals. 

• Operational Strategy & Execution: Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and procedures to streamline manufacturing processes and achieve business objectives.  Accountable for product output and quality to our customers across the group. 

• Team Leadership: Lead, mentor, and develop the operations team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement. 

• Budget Management: Oversee the operational budget, ensuring efficient resource allocation and monitoring spending. 

• Process Improvement: Continuously analyze and improve current processes to enhance productivity and reduce costs, adopting new technologies and best practices. 

• Vendor Management: Negotiate contracts and manage relationships with vendors and suppliers to ensure quality, cost, and delivery standards are met. 

• Performance Metrics: Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of operations. 

• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and manage operational risks. 

The successful candidate will be an experienced manufacturing leader, who has the ability to inspire and motivate those around them in a collaborative and engaging way. 

They will have significant experience in driving operational efficiencies and improvement within a relevant industry. 

They will possess most of the following: 

Skills: 

• Leadership: Strong leadership and management skills to inspire and motivate a teams across Manufacturing Capability, Product Development, Production, Quality & HSE. 

• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze operational metrics and make data-driven decisions. 

• Strategic Thinking: Excellent strategic planning and problem-solving abilities. 

• Communication Skills: Effective communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with cross-functional and dual site teams. 

• Industry Knowledge: Knowledge of relevant defense/medical device industry regulations, compliance standards, and industry best practices in operations management. 

Experience Required: 

• Evidence and experience of oversight and management of manufacturing and assembly operations and activities (preferably in an optics or defense environment). 

• Experience in developing and implementing strategies to improve production efficiency and performance. 

• An understanding of compliance with safety, quality, and regulatory standards. 

• Resource Management experience in a production environment. 

• Experience of working in partnership with a variety of business functions, preferably internationally. 

• Experience of establishing and maintaining a culture of continuous improvement. 

• Experience in preparing and managing operational budgets and forecasts. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure. 

Qualifications & Employment Requirements: 

• MSc/BSc degree level in Engineering, Operations Management, or related field. 

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in manufacturing or production management. 

• You must be hold US Citizenship (and relevant visa’s to work in both the UK &US) to be considered for this position.