The Vice President of Operations – Fabrication, Assembly, and Outfitting provides executive leadership for all production activities related to structural fabrication, modular assembly, hull construction, and outfitting of marine vessels. This role ensures high-efficiency operations aligned with safety, quality, schedule, and cost objectives across the full spectrum of shipbuilding or marine platform projects. The VP drives strategic planning, operational excellence, and workforce development to support large-scale commercial, offshore, or defense vessel programs.
Provide strategic direction and executive oversight of fabrication, assembly, and outfitting operations across all production facilities.
Lead cross-functional coordination between engineering, supply chain, quality assurance, planning, and production departments.
Ensure the effective execution of hull fabrication, block erection, module integration, and outfitting (mechanical, electrical, HVAC, piping, etc.).
Implement and continuously improve production workflows, resource planning, and execution strategies to optimize throughput.
Drive performance metrics related to productivity, quality, safety, on-time delivery, and cost control.
Establish standardized operating procedures (SOPs), lean manufacturing practices, and modern shipyard automation where applicable.
Lead capital planning for equipment upgrades, infrastructure expansion, and digital transformation of production systems.
Foster a safety-first culture in line with OSHA, ISO, and industry regulatory requirements.
Ensure compliance with classification society and customer specifications (ABS, DNV, USCG, IMO, etc.).
Mentor operational leadership teams, develop succession plans, and oversee skilled workforce development and training programs.
Serve as a key contributor to strategic bids, customer presentations, and executive reporting.
Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Marine Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, or a related field.
15+ years of progressive leadership experience in shipbuilding, offshore platform construction, or heavy industrial fabrication, with at least 5 years in an executive or senior operations role.
Proven expertise in structural fabrication, modular assembly, hull outfitting, and commissioning readiness.
Deep understanding of marine construction schedules, manufacturing technologies, and operational risk management.
Strong track record of driving KPIs in complex production environments involving multi-disciplinary integration.
Excellent communication, leadership, and negotiation skills with the ability to manage diverse teams across multiple departments or locations.
Executive experience in a Tier-1 naval or commercial shipyard environment.
Knowledge of ERP and MES systems (SAP, IFS, AVEVA, etc.).
Certification in Lean Six Sigma, PMP, or advanced manufacturing systems is a strong advantage.
Familiarity with digital shipyard concepts, modular construction strategies, and robotic welding technologies.
Office and shipyard environments, with frequent presence on the production floor.
Domestic and international travel may be required to support multi-site operations or major project milestones.
Must be able to respond to operational challenges during critical build or launch phases.