SVP of Global Operations – Electronics/Telecom Manufacturing

Location: On‑Site – Huntsville, AL

Why This Role Matters

A high-growth, technically advanced electronics / telecommunications manufacturer is seeking a seasoned executive to lead global operations at scale. As SVP of Global Operations, you will be instrumental in defining the supply chain, manufacturing, and fulfillment roadmap that supports the firm’s international expansion and product innovation. This is a rare chance to influence strategy at the highest level while also rolling up your sleeves to optimize performance across multiple sites.

Core Responsibilities

• Formulate and drive the global operations strategy, aligning operational functions with corporate goals (cost, quality, growth).
• Lead global procurement and supplier networks, ensuring cost control, quality compliance, and supply continuity.
• Oversee all manufacturing activities (in-house and outsourced), implementing lean and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, integrating demand forecasting, inventory planning, and operations execution.
• Guide new product industrialization, ensuring manufacturing readiness, prototyping, and scale-up.
• Manage materials reliability, compliance to industry standards (e.g. RoHS, REACH), and component traceability systems.
• Architect global logistics and fulfillment strategy, optimizing international freight, trade compliance, and delivery performance.
• Serve as a key member of the leadership team, translating business goals into scalable operational execution in collaboration with R&D, sales, and finance.
• Mentor and manage senior operational leaders (directors across functions).
• Take ownership of operational KPIs tied to margin, inventory turns, cost of goods sold, and operational efficiency.

Required Background & Skills

• 10+ years in progressive operations leadership roles within complex, global manufacturing environments (preferably in electronics, telecom, EMS, or comparable industries).
• Experience managing multi-site, multi-country manufacturing and supply chain operations.
• Demonstrated success in improving margin, inventory velocity, and operational cost structure.
• Deep understanding of lean manufacturing, production engineering, and supply chain optimization.
• Strong financial acumen, with experience owning operational P&L.
• Proven change leadership, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic execution capabilities.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, or related discipline.

Preferred Attributes

• MBA or equivalent advanced degree.
• Experience with silicon procurement, contract manufacturing relationships, and high-complexity supply networks.
• International leadership exposure, including Europe and North America, and familiarity with labor regulations or works councils.
• Knowledge of trade compliance, environmental regulations, and ethical sourcing.

Leadership Style & Culture Fit

• Collaborative, inclusive, and hands-on leadership presence.
• Balanced approach: capable of setting strategic direction while engaging in tactical execution.
• High integrity, ethical, and trust-building.
• Passion for team development, continuous improvement, and creating a high-performance culture.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive base salary, performance-based bonus, and multi-year equity incentives.
• Full relocation support to Huntsville, Alabama.
• Frequent international travel (mainly to European sites).
• Visibility at the executive level and deep influence over corporate growth trajectory.
• Partner with a stable, mission-driven organization with longevity and opportunity for impact.

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