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.
