Chief Operating Officer – Engineer-to-Order Manufacturing

Location: Onsite in Flagstaff, AZ OR Phoenix, AZ (Relocation available)

Join a growing, innovation-driven manufacturer that designs and builds highly engineered equipment used in life-saving medical technologies around the world. Backed by a long-term ownership group with a people-first culture, this organization has grown through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions and is seeking a Chief Operating Officer to help lead its next phase of growth.

This is not a traditional high-volume manufacturing environment. Every customer solution is engineered to order, requiring a leader who thrives in low-volume, high-mix manufacturing while balancing operational excellence, engineering collaboration, and exceptional customer delivery. You'll join an executive leadership team where collaboration, continuous improvement, and hands-on leadership are valued, and where you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on both the business and its people.

What You'll Own

• Lead global manufacturing operations across multiple domestic and international facilities.
• Drive operational excellence across manufacturing, supply chain, procurement, quality, scheduling, warehousing, and logistics.
• Champion Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives that improve quality, delivery, inventory, and operational performance.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Commercial, and Executive Leadership to strengthen cross-functional collaboration and execution.
• Lead strategic initiatives including acquisition integration, manufacturing optimization, capacity planning, ERP utilization, and operational standardization.
• Develop and mentor operational leaders while building a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Establish meaningful operational KPIs while driving improvements in safety, quality, customer delivery, and profitability.
• Support long-term organizational growth through scalable operational processes and leadership development.

What We're Looking For

• Executive manufacturing leadership experience as a COO, VP Operations, VP Manufacturing, Division President, General Manager, or similar executive role.
• Proven success leading engineer-to-order, configure-to-order, custom capital equipment, automation, or other highly customized manufacturing environments.
• Experience leading multi-site manufacturing organizations.
• Strong background in Lean Manufacturing, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional organizations spanning Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Procurement, and Quality.
• A hands-on, player-coach leadership style with a passion for developing people and driving organizational change.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Executive leadership role with significant influence over company strategy and future growth.
• Opportunity to lead a highly respected manufacturer operating in a stable, growing industry.
• People-first culture that values leadership development, continuous improvement, and long-term employee success.
• Opportunity to shape operational strategy while remaining closely connected to the business.
• Competitive executive compensation package including bonus and long-term incentive opportunity.
• Relocation assistance available for exceptional candidates.

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS