Chief Operating Officer

Role Overview

This executive role serves as the operating leader for a growing electrical equipment manufacturer based in Florida. The company produces medium- and low-voltage power distribution and related electrical equipment, such as switchboards, transformers, switchgear, mobile substations, e-houses, and energy-as-a-service offerings. Its customers span utilities, industrial businesses, data centers, and renewable energy sectors across North America. The organization runs through specialized product divisions supported by one shared manufacturing and delivery structure.

The COO is the senior leader responsible for everything that happens after an order is won and before the customer is fully satisfied. Reporting to the CEO, this person will direct the company’s end-to-end delivery engine, including manufacturing, supply chain, quality, project management, and field service. The role requires a practical operations executive with strong experience in electrical equipment or heavy industrial manufacturing, capable of turning demand growth into profitable, on-time, high-quality execution across multiple divisions and facilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all manufacturing and delivery functions across the business, with consistent focus on on-time shipping, cost discipline, and quality excellence.
• Convert company strategy into operating plans and measurable KPIs for production, safety, quality, and productivity.
• Create a culture built on accountability, safety, and continuous improvement across plant operations, project teams, and support functions.
• Coordinate priorities across divisions and shared teams, using service-level expectations to manage trade-offs and alignment.
• Work with the CEO and Board on long-term capital planning and future capacity needs.
• Own manufacturing strategy, plant capacity planning, and unit-cost performance.
• Direct supply chain strategy, including supplier relationships, purchasing, and inventory control to secure materials and reduce exposure to volatility in critical inputs such as copper, silicon steel, and insulation.
• Improve throughput, yield, and On-Time-In-Full delivery results.
• Build and maintain a strong Quality Management System aligned with ISO and relevant industry requirements such as UL, ANSI/IEEE, IEC, and DFARS where applicable.
• Drive down defects, improve first-pass yield, and strengthen audit outcomes across the product portfolio.
• Oversee PMO discipline and ensure projects and customer orders are delivered on schedule and within budget.
• Lead field service and aftermarket execution to support customer success after delivery.
• Implement Lean Manufacturing practices to reduce waste, improve flow, and optimize inventory.
• Apply Six Sigma methods to reduce variation and improve process performance.
• Standardize operating procedures and establish a repeatable operating cadence that does not depend on individual style.
• Manage operations P&L, including budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Use operational data to identify bottlenecks and uncover margin improvement opportunities.
• Drive ERP and Salesforce CRM adoption and maintain a clear enterprise-level KPI dashboard.
• Coach and develop leaders across manufacturing, supply chain, quality, PMO, and field service.

Requirements

• At least 12 years of progressive leadership experience in electrical equipment, power distribution, or heavy industrial manufacturing, including senior responsibility for multi-plant and multi-product operations.
• Background leading manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and engineering teams in an engineered-to-order environment.
• Proven ability to scale operations during substantial revenue growth.
• Strong command of Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma; Black Belt certification is an added advantage.
• Track record of launching continuous-improvement programs that delivered measurable cost savings or efficiency gains.
• Practical experience implementing ERP and Salesforce CRM discipline, formal SOPs, and structured KPI management.
• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Industrial Engineering, or in Business Administration.
• Master’s degree, such as an MBA or MS in Engineering, is strongly preferred.
• Must already be based in Florida or willing to relocate there.
• Ability to manage high-pressure situations, resolve crises, and make sound decisions quickly.
• Strong executive communication, negotiation, and cross-functional leadership skills.
• Comfort with single-point accountability and transparent operational performance tracking.

Perks and Benefits

• Competitive executive-level base pay.
• Annual performance bonus.
• Health, dental, and vision coverage.
• 401(k) plan with company match.
• Relocation support.

Additional Information

This is a full-time executive position based onsite in Florida. Relocation assistance is available. The role reports directly to the CEO and is intended for a hands-on leader who can unify delivery operations across multiple product divisions and facilities.

Functional Focus

The position spans manufacturing operations, supply chain, quality systems, project execution, field service, process improvement, and operational finance. The leader will be expected to establish disciplined systems, improve performance metrics, and strengthen delivery reliability across the enterprise.