Company Name

Amarr

Search Job Title

VP of Operations (Manufacturing)

Client Profile

Amarr, a subsidiary of a $9B global entrance solutions group headquartered in Europe.

Amarr manufactures and distributes built-to-order residential and commercial garage doors. Products are shipped from plants to company-operated Door Centers, which manage customer relationships and fulfillment.

Role Objectives & Challenges

The VP will stabilize production, improve throughput, and work closely with a newly hired Plant Manager to establish performance-driven systems and standards. Beyond day-to-day operations, the VP of Operations will be responsible for defining a 5–10 year operations vision in partnership with company leadership. This includes positioning the organization for significant expansion and implementing scalable systems and processes that allow for increased volume, automation, and future growth. As peer executives in Supply Chain and Distribution near retirement, this role may eventually absorb broader responsibilities within the business. The VP will lead a distributed team operating in a high-pressure, labor-intensive manufacturing environment with 24/7 production schedules. Facilities currently lack advanced automation, rely heavily on manual processes, and operate on an outdated ERP system. The role will require strong operational leadership and the ability to modernize systems, assess workforce structures, and drive continuous improvement. One of the most pressing challenges is leading a cultural shift at the Lawrence, KS plant to improve a disengaged workforce. The VP must instill a culture of accountability, transparency, and employee empowerment, improving retention and performance while reinforcing the company’s values around customer service and operational excellence. The successful candidate will bring extensive experience in heavy manufacturing—preferably in building materials, automotive, or industrial environments involving steel, roll-forming, and complex assembly. A proven track record in operational turnarounds, lean manufacturing, and team development is essential. This leader must also possess strategic vision, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to drive organizational alignment across multiple locations.

Our Approach to Solve the Search

Amarr engaged us to conduct a confidential replacement search for their Vice President of Manufacturing. The role demanded a significant upgrade in leadership—someone capable of stepping out of the weeds of day-to-day firefighting and focusing on broader strategic objectives. It was critical to identify a candidate who could lead an operational turnaround while simultaneously positioning the organization for long-term growth. Our search strategy targeted candidates with deep manufacturing experience in building materials, industrial products, and heavy manufacturing environments, particularly those with a proven ability to stabilize underperforming operations and then transition into a more visionary leadership role. We prioritized individuals with a track record of balancing tactical execution with strategic oversight, including prior involvement in M&A integration and multi-plant management. Throughout the process, confidentiality was paramount, as the incumbent remained in the role during initial sourcing. We leveraged our network and targeted outreach to identify executive-caliber candidates capable of improving operational efficiency, supporting global expansion, and reinforcing a culture of accountability without reverting to micromanagement.

The Hire & Results

The selected candidate brought a strong background in high-volume, vertically integrated manufacturing environments, making him an ideal choice for Amarr’s VP of Operations role. With deep expertise in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement, he had successfully led turnaround efforts in similarly complex operations involving steel and roll-forming. His experience managing cross-functional teams—including engineering, scheduling, and production—aligned closely with Amarr’s structure and immediate need to stabilize performance at its flagship Lawrence, KS facility. Beyond his operational acumen, he demonstrated a proven ability to lead cultural transformation and develop frontline leadership. His track record of reducing lead times, improving throughput, and driving team engagement positioned him to craft and execute a multi-year vision for scalable growth. Additionally, his ERP fluency and capital planning experience made him well-equipped to support future automation and expansion initiatives.