Vice President of Operations

About SelectOne: SelectOne is a recruiting firm specializing in connecting organizations with top talent across finance, accounting, HR, IT, and operations. We partner closely with our clients to identify professionals who will make an immediate and lasting impact.

About the Company Hiring: Our client is a growing manufacturing company in Buffalo, NY.

About the Job: This position provides strategic leadership for Operations, Purchasing, Inventory Planning & Management, Freight Contract Management, COE Development, and vendor relationships, while partnering with branch locations and suppliers. The role drives operational excellence through process improvement, automation, lean initiatives, new technologies, distribution optimization, and compliance programs to improve efficiency, productivity, and customer service. It also leads sustainability and recycling initiatives in collaboration with Sales, EH&S, and Operations.

• Leadership – Foster a high-performance, engaged culture by developing and motivating employees, encouraging open communication, supporting professional growth, and driving accountability, initiative, and organizational execution. (Measured by employee engagement and retention.)
• Strategic Direction – Develop and execute operational and sourcing strategies that support profitability, inventory optimization, geographic expansion, production planning, vendor management, and continuous improvement. Manage FICO and SIS costs, establish procurement and material planning processes, identify SAP best practices, and maintain compliance with ISO, AS9100, ITAR, and other applicable standards.
• Supply Chain & Procurement – Optimize the supply chain, warehousing, distribution, and logistics network to maximize efficiency and service levels. Oversee vendor relationships, purchasing processes, rebate optimization, freight strategy, and carrier contract negotiations.
• Asset Management – Maximize utilization of facilities, equipment, and inventory through effective COE strategies, inventory accuracy, cycle counts, physical inventories, and process improvements that improve material yield and warehouse efficiency.
• Cross-Functional Leadership – Partner with Regional Directors, Marketing, Operations, and Business Development to support strategic initiatives including acquisitions, integrations, greenfield expansions, new products, market growth, and sustainability programs, including company recycling initiatives.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• 10+ years of leadership experience within a large industrial distribution organization
• 10+ years of distribution operations experience
• 10+ years of supply chain management experience
• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Office, SAP, or a comparable ERP system
• Ability to travel approximately 40% domestically, with occasional international travel

Salary: $185,000–$225,000 base salary plus bonus incentives