Vice President of Manufacturing

Atlas Gunworks

Location: Shelburne, Vermont

Website: Atlasgunworks.com

Build the Operating Engine of a High-Growth Precision Manufacturer

Atlas Gunworks manufactures the finest double stack 1911 pistols and parts in the world. Pistols are engineered, machined, hand finished and coated in the Shelburne, Vermont facility.

Atlas’ production process includes a unique combination of sophisticated CNC machining, hand fitting and finishing. With ~30% year-over-year growth, Atlas continues to add factory capacity in Vermont and elsewhere. We are seeking a Vice President of Manufacturing to lead our growing team.

The Opportunity

Reporting to the President, the Vice President of Manufacturing is the execution leader responsible for manufacturing performance, scalability, and operational excellence.

You will translate business objectives into efficient, repeatable, and high-performing manufacturing systems, ensuring Atlas can scale production without compromising quality, craftsmanship, or brand reputation.

What You’ll Own

You will lead all aspects of manufacturing operations including CNC machining, assembly, finishing, quality, inventory, and shipping.

Develop continuous improvement practices to ensure production meets demand while maintaining premium quality standards

Operating System Development

Build and implement scalable standard operating procedures (SOPs) across all production functions
Establish operating cadence (daily/weekly KPI reviews, production planning rhythms)
Create a structured, data-driven manufacturing environment

Process Optimization & Continuous Improvement

Map end-to-end production workflows and eliminate bottlenecks
Implement lean manufacturing principles and continuous improvement initiatives
Lead root cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions

Performance & Accountability

Own all operational KPIs including:
Throughput & capacity utilization
Manufacturing costs
Cycle time & lead time
Defect rates & quality metrics
On-time delivery
Build dashboards and drive accountability across the organization

Team & Leadership Development

Build and develop a strong manufacturing leadership team
Establish a culture of accountability, ownership, and performance

Capacity Planning & Growth Enablement

Forecast labor, equipment, tooling, and facility needs to support growth
Partner with leadership to align production with demand and product roadmap
Lead facility planning and capital investments

What Success Looks Like (First 12–18 Months)

SOPs are fully implemented across all manufacturing areas
Clear metrics and accountability systems are embedded
Throughput and production predictability is improved
New equipment for a 5,000-sf factory expansion is successfully commissioned

What You Bring

10+ years of progressive manufacturing/operations leadership experience
Proven success scaling manufacturing in a high-growth environment
Deep experience in precision machining, complex assemblies, or high-performance products

Strong background in:

SOP development
Process mapping
Lean / continuous improvement
Data-driven mindset with experience building and managing KPIs
Demonstrated ability to build teams and install performance management systems
Hands-on leadership style. You’re comfortable on the shop floor solving problems in real time

Preferred:

Experience in firearms, defense, or regulated manufacturing
Experience in high-mix, low-volume production environments

Why Atlas Gunworks

High-growth environment with real opportunity to build and scale
Premium product with a reputation for precision and performance
Hands-on leadership team committed to investing in operations
Opportunity to build the manufacturing engine of a category-leading company

Location

On-site in Shelburne, Vermont

Final Thought

This is a role for a builder. If you’re energized by the challenge of building systems from the ground up, coaching a talented and dedicated team, and scaling a manufacturing organization without sacrificing quality, this is your opportunity.

To Apply:

Atlas Gunworks has partnered with Dan Lyons from The Richards Group to guide this important search. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to dlyons@therichardsgrp.com, or reach out to Dan directly at 802-556-1167 with any questions. Applications, including a resume and cover letter, will be accepted until we have a strong candidate slate.

Atlas Gunworks is an equal opportunity employer. They celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Atlas Gunworks

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Vice President of Manufacturing