Operations, Engineering & Manufacturing Executive Search Expertise
Operations and engineering sit at the core of how companies perform, scale, and deliver results. We recruit leaders and key contributors who have successfully delivered outcomes in environments similar to yours, not just held comparable titles.
Typical Operations & Engineering Searches
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Vice President of Operations or Manufacturing
Plant Managers and Site Leadership
Engineering Leadership, including Chief Engineers and NPI Leaders
Mechanical, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineers
New Product Introduction (NPI) Professionals
Continuous Improvement and Lean Leadership
These roles directly impact efficiency, throughput, quality, and long‑term business performance.
When Organizations Engage Us
Companies partner with Ashton North when operational performance is critical to the next stage of the business. Common priorities include:
Improving operational efficiency, throughput, and OEE
Strengthening plant and site leadership
Driving continuous improvement and Lean initiatives
Supporting new product development and NPI execution
Improving quality, consistency, and on‑time delivery
Aligning operations with growth, demand, and cost targets
Supporting manufacturing transformation and process optimization
Operations Recruiting Built Around Outcomes
Most operational hiring efforts begin with a job description.
We begin with a more important question:
What does success look like 12–15 months after the hire is made?
This allows us to align the search around:
The operational challenges that must be solved
The performance outcomes required
The leadership or expertise needed to deliver results
By focusing on outcomes, we introduce candidates who have already delivered success in comparable roles and environments.
Industry & Operating Environment Experience
Operational leadership is highly dependent on context. We recruit professionals with experience in:
Manufacturing and production‑driven environments
Multi‑site and operationally complex organizations
Private equity‑backed and performance‑driven businesses
Startup, growth‑stage, and scaling companies
Regulated or compliance‑driven industries
This ensures candidates understand not only the role, but the realities of operating within your business.
How We Evaluate Operations & Engineering Leaders
Experience matters, but execution matters more. We assess:
Proven track record of improving operational performance
Experience in similar industries and production environments
Ability to deliver measurable improvements in efficiency, cost, and output
Leadership of teams in fast‑paced and complex settings
Experience with Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement
Exposure to engineering, manufacturing systems, and operational technologies
Alignment with company goals and operational strategy
This ensures leaders can step in quickly and deliver meaningful impact.
Who We Work With
Manufacturing and industrial organizations
Private equity firms and portfolio companies
Mid‑market and growth‑stage businesses
Founder‑led and scaling companies
Our clients view operational leadership as a core driver of performance and long‑term value creation.
Hire Leaders Who Deliver Operational Results
The right operations or engineering hire does more than manage processes. They improve execution, strengthen teams, and help organizations scale effectively.
If operational performance is critical to your next phase, we should talk.
Recent Searches & Placements
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) - Florida
Chief Engineer - Austin, TX
Senior Design Engineer - Milwaukee, WI
Senior Mechanical Engineer - Austin, TX
Director of Strategic Initiatives & Programs - Illinois
Controls Engineer- Illinois
Director of Engineering - Virginia
Director of Manufacturing Automation - Illinois
Director of Sales, Inventory, & Operations (SIOP) - Texas
Vice President of Sales - North Carolina
Connect With Ashton North
Whether you are building your team or exploring your next opportunity, we welcome the opportunity to connect.