Manufacturing Executive Search

MANUFACTURING EXECUTIVE SEARCH

Leaders who can run the business you have and build the one you are planning

We run manufacturing executive search for growing U.S. manufacturers. Many of the businesses we work with are private equity backed, adding companies through acquisitions, opening new plants or getting ready for their next stage of growth.

When a manufacturer scales, the leadership team that got it here is not always the team that gets it to the next stage. We find the people who have already done it. Our For Clients page explains how our search process works, or you can book a meeting to talk through your role.

Why manufacturers use AES

The best general managers, plant directors and operations leaders are rarely looking for a job. They are busy hitting their numbers, so you will not find them on a job board or in a pile of applications.

We headhunt them directly. We map the market, approach the people doing the job well today and have a confidential conversation about your role. That is how you reach leaders who would never have applied.

Growth changes the job. An add-on acquisition needs someone who can bring a new site into the group without losing customers or key people. A new plant needs a leader who can hire, train and reach output targets quickly. We agree what success looks like with you before we approach anyone, because it changes who we look for.

ROLES WE RECRUIT

Manufacturing leadership roles we fill

We recruit senior leaders across the business, from the top job to the functions that keep your plants running.

President and CEO

Owns the P&L and answers to the owners or the board. Often the first key hire after an acquisition or when a founder steps back.

General Manager

Runs a site, a division or an acquired business day to day, with full responsibility for safety, output, cost and customers.

Chief Operating Officer

Takes charge of operations across several plants, so the CEO can focus on growth, customers and deals.

VP and SVP Operations

Leads multi-site operations, Lean and continuous improvement, capacity planning and the plant leadership team.

Plant Director

Runs a plant or opens a new one: safety, quality, throughput and a team that holds the standard.

Business Unit Leader

Owns a product line or business unit, including its growth plan, pricing and margin.

VP Commercial and Sales

Wins and keeps OEM, distributor and aftermarket customers, and builds a sales team that sells on value, not price.

Supply Chain Leader

Purchasing, planning, logistics and supplier performance, so plants have what they need without tying up cash.

Engineering and Product Leader

Leads product development, application engineering and new product launches, and keeps engineering focused on what customers will buy.

What RoleDNA™ Mapping shows you about a manufacturing leader

Every shortlisted candidate goes through RoleDNA™ Mapping, our own assessment process, before you meet them. You get the same 8 levels for every person, so you can compare them fairly:

  1. Job Location Mapping
  2. Executive Summary
  3. Professional Photo
  4. Candidate Introduction
  5. Key Competency Responses
  6. Behavioral Assessment
  7. Verified References
  8. Detailed Resume

For an operations or plant leader, the key competency questions focus on real problems, like a plant missing its output targets or a newly acquired site with a different culture. The Behavioral Assessment shows how a candidate handles pressure, and verified references confirm what actually happened at the sites they ran. Find out more about RoleDNA™ Mapping.

Recruiter selecting from a grid of candidate profile photos on a digital screen

RESULTS

Proof, not promises

98%

Fill rate

of the searches we take on end with a candidate placed.

96%

12-month retention

of the candidates we place are still in their role after 12 months.

12/24

Free replacement

months of cover: 12 as standard, extended to 24 (2 years) for senior roles.

Every placement carries our 12-month free replacement guarantee, extended to 2 years for senior roles, under the agreed terms of engagement. Our guarantee explained.

SECTORS

Manufacturing sectors we cover

We recruit leaders for manufacturers across the U.S. in industrial and engineered products, filtration, machinery and equipment, OEM components and aftermarket, construction equipment, building products, packaging and chemicals.

If your business makes something else, talk to us. The leadership problems in a growing manufacturer are often the same from one sector to the next.

Related searches: operations leader executive search, business unit leader executive search and commercial leader executive search.

Manufacturing executive search: FAQs

Can a senior leader run our plants remotely?

Often, yes, if the role is set up for it. Many multi-site manufacturers have their COO, VP Operations or business unit leaders based away from headquarters and traveling to the plants. We agree location, travel and time on site with you up front, and Job Location Mapping shows where every shortlisted candidate is based relative to your sites.

Do you recruit for multi-site and newly acquired businesses?

Yes. We look for people who have run more than one site, integrated an acquisition or opened a new plant, and we check with their references how it actually went.

Can you run a confidential search?

Yes. Confidential replacements and successions are a normal part of our work. We approach candidates discreetly and only share names with the people you approve.

What does RoleDNA™ Mapping show us before we interview anyone?

For every shortlisted candidate you get 8 levels in one place: where they are based, our executive summary, a professional photo, an introduction video, answers to key competency questions, a behavioral assessment matched to your role, verified references and a detailed resume. You see how each person works and leads before you spend time in interviews.

CONTACT US

Hiring a leader for your manufacturing business?

Tell us where the business is going and where the gap is in your team. Book a meeting, complete the form or contact us directly, and a partner will be in touch.

Headquarters: Alexander Executive Search, 1221 Brickell Ave, Suite 900, Miami, FL 33131.

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