VP of Operations

Description

Kinperium-Hiniker LLC (Hiniker) is a Minnesota based manufacturer. With roots in the agricultural equipment industry going back to 1970 and continuing today, we know how to build tough, productive, reliable equipment. Hiniker is known for sturdy cultivators, efficient shredders, and niche equipment such as the cover crop seeder and NH3 monitors.

In 1995, Hiniker branched into designing and manufacturing snow removal equipment, which is a trusted tool for many. Hiniker snow and ice equipment is built to enable the operator to work as efficiently as possible. We do this with innovative and purpose-built designs like the Hiniker C-Plow and the Hiniker Scoop Plow. We also manufacture a line of spreaders and skid steer plows.

In 2024, we expanded our offerings with the acquisition of Daniels Plows, further strengthening our commitment to high-quality snow removal solutions.

We are currently seeking a VP of Operations to help our team grow. This position requires a “hands‑on” manufacturing executive who is skilled and knowledgeable in assessing, managing, implementing, and monitoring all production, purchasing, manufacturing, and logistic requirements of a dynamic manufacturing company in the snow equipment and agricultural products industry. The executive will report to the CEO/President and work closely with both the President and General Manager on managing the day‑to‑day needs of the company, as well as execute on short‑term and long‑term goals established by management and the board of directors.

The VP of Operations will provide leadership to the Operations teams to become change agents that promote continuous improvement, coach & teach associates, and deliver results that exceed customer expectations. The VP of Operations role requires transformational leadership, critical thinking, attention to detail, organizational and planning expertise, and solid judgment to deliver the safety, quality, cost and productivity requirements of the business.

This role has a major effect on the financial results of the organization, and a degree of financial acumen is required to link operational performance with revenue and profit.

• Develop and implement lean process improvements to create an efficient manufacturing operation that exceed customer expectations.
• Develop manufacturing roadmap for capital investments and process improvements that deliver consistent, measurable manufacturing results.
• Develop and monitor daily metrics for plant performance that enhance leadership team visibility and understanding of operational performance.
• Execute a manufacturing strategy to eliminate redundancies while establishing centers of excellence for manufacturing and assembly of a healthy mix of products and standard, custom, configured.
• Establish a long‑term strategy for the types of manufacturing capabilities to be retained and developed.
• Act as a change agent for continuous improvement activities.
• --- Manage the team to improve performance while lowering overall cost.
• Implement improvements / automation to the system-wide operations routines to improve manufacturing levels.
• --- Foster a culture of lean manufacturing.
• Manage the department budget for overhead costs, capital expenditure(s), headcount, as well as delivery performance.

• Support the supply chain strategy that meets corporate performance objectives as well as customer expectations.
• Optimize processes to ensure delivery of supplies and improve supply chain metrics in terms of cost and service.
• Ensure an optimal level of inventory control and operational capacity planning to meet demand.
• Oversee and supervise the distribution and logistics strategy to competitively fulfill demand and optimize inventory levels.

• Oversee the Quality Assurance function & infrastructure to ensure that all final product observes the company's quality standards.
• Ensure the effective development and implementation of inspection activities, the detection and resolution of problems, and the delivery of satisfactory outcomes.

• Ensure all aspects of safety and the organization's facilities follow the…