VP of Operations

Every minute of every day, Smiths Detection's threat detection and security screening technology helps to protect people and infrastructure, making the world a safer place.

Smiths Detection is a global leader in the development, manufacture and management of security and detection solutions designed to make the world a safer place. Our technology provides threat detection and screening solutions for customers in our key markets: aviation, ports and borders, defense, and urban security.

Our expertise spans 21 global offices, seven manufacturing sites and five R&D centers, with a global network of 3,500 dedicated colleagues contributing towards over 40 years at the frontline of advances in safety and security.

This results in careers built on variety and the opportunity to work on a range of state-of-the-art solutions, where you can develop your knowledge and experience every day.

The Smiths Detection Inc (SDI) Vice President of Operations position is based in Edgewood, MD, and will be the key Operations leadership role with overall responsibility for providing manufacturing, supply chain, logistics, sourcing, integrated business planning, safety, quality, and trade compliance oversight of the Americas Region site as well as potential integration of additional acquired sites

This position will report to the SDI President and, within the parameters of a Special Security Agreement (SSA), will work closely with the Global Operations function and business teams to ensure that delivery and quality performance exceeds customer expectations. Reporting to this position are the leaders of the Value streams, Manufacturing Engineering, Safety, Supply Chain, Logistics, Quality, Facilities, and Trade Compliance. The role is responsible for integrating all functions in a highly matrixed organization to ensure seamless execution of the entire integrated delivery system. The position is responsible for integrating all functions in a highly matrixed organization to ensure seamless execution of the entire integrated delivery system.

Job duties to include but are not limited to;

• Develop and execute the Operations strategy across manufacturing, supply chain, sourcing, logistics, quality, manufacturing engineering, facilities, safety.
• Lead the Integrated Business Planning process to align customer demand, material availability, capacity, workforce, inventory, and financial objectives.
• Develop supply chain, sourcing, and supplier-management strategies that improve material availability, supplier performance, cost competitiveness, working capital, and business continuity.
• Partner across Programs, Technology, Sales, Service, and Finance to support new product introductions, production readiness, and execution of customer and contractual commitments.
• Oversee capital planning, facilities, capacity, automation, and operational footprint decisions to support business growth and operational efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with quality systems, regulatory requirements, trade controls, internal policies, and applicable customer and legal requirements
• Implementing the manufacturing strategy, the foundation of which should be built on the principles of Lean, CI Cost of Quality, 5s, and Visual Management
• Providing the necessary leadership to promote change throughout the organization and to continue to develop and lead a world-class manufacturing organization
• Working across all functions in a matrix environment to drive the deployment of a world-class safety culture, strong delivery improvements, cycle time and inventory reductions, improved quality, and year-over-year cost productivity
• Responsibility for developing and executing an annual operating plan and direct responsibility for departmental spending and budget management
• Driving sites to achieve/surpass financial commitments
• Reducing cycle times to increase responsiveness and improve on-time delivery
• Driving significant inventory reductions to achieve cash flow goals
• Ensuring that safety, cost, quality, delivery, and inventory goals are met
• Integrating tools to continuously improve process yields, reduce the cost of poor quality and drive shop floor productivity
• Providing a safe work environment for employees

Education Level

• Bachelor''s degree in Engineering, Supply Chain Management, Business Management, or a related discipline
• MBA or Master''s Degree in a Technical field is preferred

Required Experience

• Minimum 15 years of closely related experience in manufacturing operations with a strong background in operations, quality and/or materials management
• Minimum 10 years of supervisory or management experience
• Minimum 7 years of experience operating in a CI / Lean Manufacturing environment

Preferred Experience

• Experience in consolidating multi-building / multi-site facilities
• Experience with acquisition integration
• Experience working in a Union environment
• Experience interfacing with internal and external customers is strongly desired
• Prefer detailed work experience in at least 3 of the following areas: Manufacturing/Assembly Operations, Quality, Engineering (Design or Manufacturing), Materials/Procurement Customer interfacing experience
• Sound knowledge of advanced manufacturing
• Prior experience working within an SSA environment is a plus

We offer…

Join us and we'll help build your career, with excellent training and opportunities for career growth across the business, both locally and globally. You'll experience an inclusive environment, with strong leadership and a focus on safety and wellbeing. You'll also have the flexibility to choose from a wide range of benefits to suit your lifestyle, offering you and your family support from a health and wellbeing, financial and lifestyle perspective.

Join us and work for a world-leader, with the benefits and training to reward your dedication and skills. Be part of a team where we are making the world a safer place.

The total compensation for this position ranges from $169,414 - $304,946 yr and will vary depending on factors such as your location, skills, job-related knowledge, and experience. The compensation package may also include incentive compensation opportunities in the form of discretionary annual bonus or commissions. Smiths Detection provides comprehensive benefits including healthcare, 401K savings plan, company holidays, vacation, sick time, parental leave and an employee assistance program. Eligibility requirements apply.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected characteristic.

If you have a disability and you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an online application, please e-mail stat@smiths.com or call toll-free 877-703-1029. This email and phone number is created exclusively to assist disabled job seekers whose disability prevents them from being able to apply online. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned. Messages left for other purposes, such as following up on an application or technical issues not related to a disability, will not receive a response. Smiths Detection participates in the Electronic Employment Verification Program.

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All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment based solely on their skills, experience, and ability to perform the job. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We value professionalism, integrity, and respect in our workplace, and we strive to maintain an environment where every employee can contribute effectively to our mission.

At no time during the hiring process will Smiths Detection, nor any of our recruitment partners ever request payment to enable participation - including, but not limited to, interviews or testing. Avoid fraudulent requests by applying jobs directly through our career's website.