Job Title: VP of Operations

Location: Shortsville, NY (80%+ on-site)

Compensation: $185,000–$200,000 base + equity

The Kostelic Agency has been engaged on a search for a VP of Operations to join a venture-backed industrial technology company at a pivotal stage of growth.

With $50M+ in funding and strong early traction, the business is scaling manufacturing, expanding its customer base, and building the operational infrastructure to support national expansion.

This is not a maintenance role — this is a true builder opportunity.

What You’ll Be Responsible For:

• Scale manufacturing output from ~5–6K units/month (single shift) to 50K+ across multiple shifts and future production lines
• Lead and develop on-site operations (currently ~7 employees, with planned growth)
• Oversee end-to-end operations including manufacturing, refurbishment/servicing, and logistics coordination
• Drive process improvements across throughput, quality, and labor efficiency
• Establish KPIs, structure, and scalable processes in a lean environment
• Partner directly with the CEO on growth strategy, expansion planning, and execution
• Support future multi-region expansion (Northeast → Southeast → West Coast)

What This Role Actually Looks Like:

• Solving real-time operational challenges across manufacturing and logistics
• Working closely with shop leadership to improve output and efficiency
• Building systems and structure where little currently exists
• Contributing to broader company strategy and operational innovation

Ideal Background:

• Proven experience scaling manufacturing or production in a high-growth environment
• Background in industrial, hardware, supply chain, or similar physical product environments
• Track record of improving throughput, efficiency, and operational performance
• Experience leading teams and building processes from the ground up
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity with a high level of ownership

What Will Set You Apart:

• Exposure to IoT, automation, or data-driven operations
• Experience in venture-backed or startup environments
• Experience with polyurea coating or similar chemical-based manufacturing processes
• Familiarity with multi-site expansion and scaling production across locations
• Strong analytical mindset with the ability to challenge ideas constructively

Additional Details:

• 80%+ on-site presence required (Shortsville, NY area)
• Lean, entrepreneurial team (~15 employees globally)
• Limited travel initially; expected to increase with expansion
• Flexible PTO environment
• Equity participation tied to performance

Know someone who should be taking a serious look at this? Or interested in learning more before it hits the broader market?

Interested applicants can apply directly to this posting, or email us to arrange a confidential conversation:

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