How long does a manufacturing executive search take?

We present a qualified slate in week three and move to finalist meetings from week four. Relocation and notice periods usually decide the start date.

Do you recruit outside of manufacturing?

Yes. We also run executive searches in aerospace and defense, engineering and construction, healthcare, consumer and technology.

Can you recruit for a new plant or greenfield site?

Yes. Greenfield leadership is a distinct profile, and we'll build the search around start-up experience, hiring at scale and launching new lines.

Careers Launch

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Manufacturing executive search

Manufacturing executive search for leaders who run the floor.

Manufacturing recruiters who speak the language of OEE, safety, lean and margin, placing operations and plant leadership for manufacturers across the U.S.

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An industrial robot on a modern manufacturing line

Roles we recruit

Leadership roles we fill.

Plant Manager / Plant Director

Single and multi-site plant leadership accountable for safety, quality, delivery and cost.

VP / Director of Operations

Operations executives who scale capacity, standardize work and lead multi-plant networks.

Supply Chain & Procurement

Leaders for sourcing, planning, logistics and S&OP in volatile supply markets.

Quality & Continuous Improvement

Quality, lean and operational-excellence leaders who make improvement stick.

Engineering Leadership

Manufacturing, process and product engineering directors.

General Manager

Business-unit and site GMs with full P&L accountability.

Why manufacturers work with us

Our managing partners built their recruiting careers in engineering, construction and manufacturing before joining Careers Launch, and our client list includes manufacturers like DEWALT, CNH, Vertiv, Resideo, SPX Technologies, Atmus and JR Automation.

We know a plant leader is judged on safety, quality, delivery and cost, and that the best ones are rarely on the market. We map competitors and adjacent industries, approach candidates directly, and assess them on the operational results they've actually delivered.

What we assess

Operational results: safety records, OEE, scrap, on-time delivery and cost-down programs they've led
Leadership: how they've built teams, developed supervisors and led through change
Systems: lean, Six Sigma, ERP and MES environments they've run
Fit: union or non-union, greenfield or turnaround, single site or network

Trusted by

Industrial companies that have trusted our team

Our search process

A search that is aligned in week one and presenting finalists by week three.

The key to a successful search is a successful initiation. Every engagement follows the same four steps, with weekly reporting so you always know where it stands.

Initiate

Week 1

We learn the organization, the position, the culture and the values; collect input from key stakeholders; verify what is critical to success; and align on the search strategy.

Organization & role deep-dive
Stakeholder interviews
Search strategy sign-off

Identify

Week 2

Sourcing and networking with potential candidates, weekly progress reporting and calibration, and comprehensive historical and behavioral interviews of the top prospects.

Targeted sourcing & networking
Weekly calibration reports
Behavioral interviews

Qualify

Week 3

Focused recruiting continues while qualified candidates are presented, with competency-based interviews and validation of technical and experiential skills.

Qualified slate presented
Competency-based interviews
Skills validation

Select

Week 4+

We set up candidate meetings, review feedback to choose finalists, run references around the critical competencies, and lead offer negotiation and candidate counseling.

Finalist meetings
Competency referencing
Offer negotiation

FAQ

Questions we hear most

We present a qualified slate in week three and move to finalist meetings from week four. Relocation and notice periods usually decide the start date.

Start a conversation

Two ways we help. One partner for both.

Fill the leadership role that moves the business forward, or take care of the people leaving it. Tell us what you're facing and a partner will call you back within one business day.

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