VP Manufacturing Engineering and Facilities

Vice President, Manufacturing Engineering & Facilities

Reports To: President

Overview

The Fountainhead Group is seeking an experienced, hands-on technical leader to serve as Vice President, Manufacturing Engineering & Facilities and a key member of the Senior Management team.

This role provides strategic and technical leadership across FGI’s manufacturing facilities, with responsibility for manufacturing engineering and operations, automation, equipment and process improvement, maintenance and reliability, facilities, and capital investment.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with practical manufacturing leadership. This individual must be equally comfortable developing long-term strategy and working directly with leaders, engineers, technicians, and operational teams to solve problems and drive execution. While not expected to be the technical expert in every discipline, the VP must have the experience and judgment to challenge assumptions, identify gaps, evaluate proposed solutions, and hold technical teams accountable for results.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a long-term manufacturing engineering and technology strategy encompassing automation, equipment, tooling, facilities, infrastructure, and future capacity requirements.

• Drive measurable improvements in manufacturing efficiency, throughput, quality, equipment reliability, labor utilization, downtime, and cost.

• Lead technical initiatives involving automation and controls, robotics and motion systems, equipment design and integration, manufacturing processes, and production systems.

• Lead capital planning and major projects, including automation, equipment upgrades and replacement, new production capabilities, tooling, and facility improvements. Ensure investments are properly prioritized and supported by sound business and ROI analysis.

• Strengthen equipment reliability through effective asset planning, root-cause problem solving, preventive and predictive maintenance, and timely equipment and tooling replacement.

• Evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies, equipment, vendors, and processes and determine where they can provide meaningful operational or financial benefit to FGI.

• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, New Product Development and other functional leaders to resolve complex technical and operational challenges.

• Build and develop strong manufacturing engineering and technical teams by mentoring leaders, engineers, and technicians, identifying capability gaps, and ensuring the organization has the skills and resources needed for the future.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related technical discipline.

• Significant progressive leadership experience in a manufacturing environment, including manufacturing engineering, automation, equipment, maintenance/reliability, facilities, and capital projects.

• Strong technical knowledge of automation and controls, robotics/motion systems, equipment design and integration, and manufacturing processes.

• Strong plastics manufacturing background. Blow molding experience is highly desirable; strong injection molding or comparable plastics manufacturing experience will also be considered.

• Demonstrated success improving manufacturing performance through automation, process improvement, equipment optimization, increased throughput, improved reliability and quality, and cost reduction.

• Strong strategic thinking, communication, problem-solving, and team development skills, with a highly collaborative leadership style and the ability to drive cross-functional alignment and organizational success.

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role will be demonstrated through measurable improvements in manufacturing performance and the development of a clear, executable plan for FGI’s manufacturing future. Key outcomes include improved efficiency, throughput, quality and equipment reliability; reduced downtime and cost; disciplined capital investment; stronger technical capabilities; and an organization positioned to support continued growth.

Compensation & Benefits

The Fountainhead Group offers a competitive executive compensation package commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, retirement savings, and paid time off.

Company Profile

The Fountainhead Group is a family-owned and operated company dedicated to the success and longevity of our business, our employees, and our community. For more than 130 years, FGI has been creating, innovating, and manufacturing liquid sprayer products for the world's top brands and retailers. From the first compressed air sprayer in 1888, we have dedicated ourselves to creating products that make our customers’ lives easier and providing high-quality sprayer technology for both home and professional use.

Across four manufacturing and distribution centers in Central New York and Vandalia, Illinois, FGI is committed to its employees and local communities, supporting more than 350 nonprofits through philanthropy and volunteer programs.

The Fountainhead Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer (AAE/EEO). All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, refugee or disability status.