Vice President Of Production

Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) has the fastest, lowest cost path to commercial fusion energy.

CFS collaborates with MIT to leverage decades of research combined with groundbreaking new high-temperature superconducting (HTS) magnet technology. HTS magnets will enable compact fusion power plants that can be constructed faster and at lower cost. Our mission is to deploy these power plants to meet global decarbonization goals as fast as possible. To that end, CFS has assembled a team of leaders in tough tech, fusion science, and manufacturing with a track record of rapid execution. Supported by the world’s leading investors, CFS is uniquely positioned to deliver limitless, clean, fusion power to combat climate change. To implement this plan, we are looking to add dedicated people to the team who treat people well, improve our work by adding multifaceted perspectives and new ways of solving problems, have achieved outstanding results through a range of pursuits, and have skills and experience related to this role.

As the Vice President of Production, you will be at the helm of our manufacturing processes, ensuring that our operations run seamlessly and efficiently. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhance productivity, optimize resources, and maintain the highest standards of quality. Your leadership will be pivotal in driving continuous improvement initiatives and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence across the organization. Responsibilities include driving production results, implementing metrics aligned with company objectives, and managing risks across production. This role will also collaborate with leadership in R&D, Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, and EHSS (Environmental, Health, Safety and Security) to ensure goal alignment and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities:

• Operational Management:

• Oversee all manufacturing operations to ensure they meet the company's quality standards and customer requirements

• Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives

• Optimize production processes to improve efficiency and reduce costs

• Planning and Execution:

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with the company’s overall objective

• Lead long-term operational planning and budgeting

• Identify and mitigate risks associated with operational activities

• Team Leadership:

• Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing operations team

• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation

• Technology Integration:

• Ensure the integration of new technologies into existing processes without disrupting operations

• Collaborate with the R&D and IT departments to implement and manage technological advancements

• Quality Assurance and Compliance:

• Ensure compliance with industry standards, safety regulations, and quality control procedures

• Implement and maintain robust quality assurance programs

• Address and resolve any operational issues that affect product quality or regulatory compliance

• Financial Management:

• Develop and manage the operations budget

• Monitor operational expenses and identify cost-saving opportunities

• Report on operational performance and financial metrics to the executive team

The ideal candidate will have most, if not all, of these requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, manufacturing, or a related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred)
• Proven experience in a senior operational role within the tough tech manufacturing industry (experience of multi-plant or plant-level leadership, and/or leading full manufacturing teams teams of at least several hundred of associates across multiple shifts)
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes, lean principles, and quality management systems
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performance teams
• Experience with technology integration and advanced manufacturing techniques
• Excellent strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving skills
• Strong financial acumen and experience managing budgets and financial performance
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills

Additional preferred experience and/or qualifications:

• This role typically involves working in both office and manufacturing environments
• May require travel to various manufacturing sites and supplier locations
• Flexibility to work extended hours as needed to meet business demands
• Perform activities such as typing, standing, or sitting for extended periods of time
• Work in a facility that contains industrial hazards including heat, cold, noise, fumes, strong magnets, lead (Pb), high voltage, high current, pressure systems, and cryogenics
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