We are seeking a highly-experienced global Chief Operating Officer ("COO") for a private equity-backed, Tier 2/3 manufacturer of performance-critical, specialty elastomer-coated metals that offer damping and sealing solutions for the automotive brake NVH and sealing application. The COO will be a key member of the executive leadership team, acting as the CEO’s right-hand leader with end-to-end responsibility for global operations. The COO will oversee all manufacturing, quality, maintenance, supply chain, and operations. Through a constructive and energetic style, the COO will provide the leadership and long-term vision necessary to improve the Company’s global growth within the automotive brake and sealing industries.
Key Responsibilities:
Operational Leadership & Global Execution
Lead and scale global operations across U.S., Germany, and China, ensuring consistent execution, delivery, and quality performance.
Partner closely with the CEO to drive an operations roadmap aligned to strategic goals (e.g., safety, quality, cost, delivery, capability).
Standardize manufacturing processes, technologies, and procedures across multiple sites.
Improve visibility and use of KPIs, leveraging the global KPI infrastructure recently implemented.
Quality & Continuous Improvement
Drive systemic quality improvements that directly impact customer satisfaction (e.g., scratches, discoloration).
Lead root cause analysis and problem-solving methodologies; preference for Shainin/Red X, though familiarity with Six Sigma, Lean, etc., is beneficial.
Build and maintain a strong culture of continuous improvement, including TPM and other maintenance best practices.
Strategic Growth & M&A Integration
Support business diversification by preparing operations for expansion into non-automotive sectors (construction, appliances, etc.).
Collaborate on M&A activities: due diligence, post-merger integration of operations, systems (ERP), processes, and teams.
Work cross-functionally to ensure scalability as top-line revenue grows.
Safety, Regulatory & Environmental Compliance
Champion a culture of safety across all operations, building on a strong safety record.
Oversee compliance with emerging environmental regulations, in coordination with EHS experts.
Leadership & Culture
Serve as a trusted advisor and operational counterpart to the CEO.
Build high-performing teams; mentor plant leaders and operational staff.
Influence across a matrixed, global environment to drive alignment and execution.
Candidate Requirements.
To achieve success in this dynamic environment, the COO will bring deep experience in manufacturing operations and a proven ability to scale systems, teams, and processes globally—particularly in preparation for M&A integration and global standardization. This is a high-impact, hands-on role that requires strong analytical and leadership capabilities and a passion for continuous improvement.
Additionally, ideal candidates will possess:
Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering (Mechanical or Electrical); Master’s degree is highly desirable.
15+ years of progressive leadership in global manufacturing operations, preferably with exposure to metal processing, coatings, or industrial materials.
Exposure to both U.S.-based and international operations, ideally having lived/worked in multiple countries.
Previous M&A integration experience is a strong plus.
Proven success in scaling global manufacturing organizations and driving performance improvements through metrics.
Demonstrated experience driving operational scale-up efforts and/or leading operational transformations.
Exceptional problem solver with a systems mindset; preference for Shainin/Red X or similar analytical approaches.
Strong financial acumen with experience improving operational EBITDA.
Excellent communicator and team builder with the ability to influence across cultures and organizational levels.
Ability to exercise sound judgement and make decisions based on accurate and timely analysis.
Self-aware and open to feedback.
High integrity, low ego, and a passion for operational excellence and customer satisfaction.
