Vice President of Operations

Position Title: Vice President of Operations

Department: Executive

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

About DECKED: At DECKED we are customer first in everything we do, solving real problems with real solutions. We take risks but not chances, and we work as a team to constantly improve.

When you work at DECKED, you'll have the opportunity to leave your mark creating exceptional programs and meaningful work, working side by side with innovative and intelligent team members. Together, you will lead our customers to the high quality, American-made products they need to get to work or get out of town, to get outdoors or get down to business, helping them do more, accomplish more, and stress less. At DECKED, we always BUILD FOR TOMORROW.

Our brand is built on grit and American determination. Our mission is simple, "Organize, Mobilize, and Energize the Sh*t out of America. As Vice President of Operations, you will be responsible for living and breathing this message in your day-to-day role. You'll apply it to your work to best support the DECKED customer through meaningful programs that deliver on DECKED's brand pillars:

• Rugged
• Intuitive
• No B.S.

General Summary: The Vice President of Operations at DECKED will lead our manufacturing, procurement, quality, logistics, and supply chain functions across multiple regions, including Ohio and Utah. Reporting directly to the CEO, the Vice President of Operations will oversee day-to-day operations and drive the company's strategic goals. A central focus of this role will be to build, coach, and mentor the production leadership team and staff, fostering a culture of development, accountability, and continuous improvement. The Vice President of Operations will also play a crucial role in leading and managing the integration of new businesses, aligning them with DECKED's operational standards and objectives.

Essential Job Functions:
Operational Leadership & Strategy:

• Lead and optimize DECKED's manufacturing operations across Ohio and Utah to ensure efficient, cost-effective, and high-quality production.
• Drive operational strategies that enhance productivity, streamline processes, and maintain high standards of quality and safety.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) across manufacturing and procurement teams to ensure operational success and alignment with DECKED's broader goals.
• Promote a mindset of ongoing enhancement and operational creativity, actively seeking input and new ideas from production teams at every level.
• Meet established targets for gross margin, inventory levels, production throughput and quality.
• Own CapEx investments to ensure DECKED capacity is matched to our growth plans

Team Development & Coaching:

• Develop and empower a high-performing operations team by providing coaching, mentorship, and growth opportunities. Foster a collaborative environment where production leaders and staff are supported in their professional development and encouraged to take ownership of their roles.
• Actively engage with production teams to promote open communication, feedback, and accountability, ensuring that all leaders are equipped to drive success and excellence in their areas.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management:

• Oversee the procurement process, ensuring the availability of materials needed to meet production schedules while managing costs.
• Drive supplier and vendor relationships, ensuring quality materials, favorable terms, and reliable delivery schedules.
• Lead the supply chain team to optimize inventory management, minimize disruptions, and ensure timely product delivery.

Financial & Budget Management:

• Develop and manage operational budgets across all regions to ensure DECKED's production processes remain financially sustainable.
• Partner with the finance department to assess financial performance, identify opportunities for cost reduction, and implement best practices for budgeting and cost control.
• Provide regular reports to the executive team on operational performance, including key financial and productivity metrics.

Growth & Innovation:

• Collaborate with the CEO and senior leadership team to identify and pursue new opportunities for operational growth, including new product lines, production technologies, and geographic expansion.
• Continuously assess manufacturing technologies and supply chain capabilities to ensure DECKED remains on the cutting edge of the industry.
• Drive innovation by exploring new production methods and tools that increase product quality and reduce operational costs.

Risk Management & Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements and safety standards in all operating regions.
• Identify and mitigate operational risks, including supply chain disruptions, safety issues, and production bottlenecks.
• Work with external auditors and internal teams to ensure all operational practices align with DECKED's corporate policies and legal requirements.

Integration Management:

• Lead the integration of new business acquisitions and partnerships, ensuring seamless alignment with DECKED's operational processes, culture, and goals.
• Develop and manage the integration strategy for newly acquired businesses, focusing on aligning production operations, supply chain processes, and personnel with DECKED's standards.
• Act as a liaison between various business units during the integration process, driving cross-functional collaboration to achieve synergy and operational efficiency.
• Oversee the transition of newly integrated businesses into DECKED's culture, providing leadership and support to ensure a smooth integration for staff and leadership.
• Track and report on integration milestones, ensuring timelines and performance objectives are met.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Manufacturing, or a related field (Master's degree preferred)
• Minimum of 10+ years of senior leadership experience in manufacturing operations, with a strong focus on coaching and mentoring production leadership.
• Proven experience in leading the integration of new businesses, including aligning operations, processes, and teams post-acquisition.
• Strong background in procurement, supply chain management, and operational efficiency with a track record of cost control and process optimization.
• In-depth knowledge of manufacturing technologies, quality management systems, and continuous improvement practices (Lean, Six Sigma, etc.).
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to coach and inspire production leadership and staff at all levels.
• Proven ability to manage multi-site operations and lead teams across geographically diverse locations, including international operations.
• International experience in manufacturing operations is a plus

Compensation and Benefits:

• Health, dental, vision, short and long-term disability, and life insurance
• 401k with match
• Paid parental leave
• Wellness
• Free water, decent coffee, nice people
• Vacation

Note: The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees, but are not a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the employer.