VP Manufacturing: Top Recruiters in Chesapeake, Virginia
The Chesapeake Aerospace & Defense Market
Chesapeake's defense market benefits from proximity to Naval Station Norfolk and a deep bench of defense IT and systems integration contractors supporting Navy and joint force programs.
About This Role
The VP of Manufacturing leads aerospace and defense production operations, ensuring complex systems and components are manufactured to exacting quality standards, on schedule, and within budget. This executive owns manufacturing engineering, production control, quality integration, and supply chain interface for all production programs within the defense portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead manufacturing operations across multiple facilities producing complex defense systems and components
- Own production planning, scheduling, and capacity management to support program delivery commitments
- Drive manufacturing cost reduction through process improvement, automation, and lean manufacturing principles
- Oversee manufacturing engineering, tooling, and work instruction development for complex defense assemblies
- Interface with government quality representatives (GQR) and DCMA manufacturing oversight personnel
- Manage production quality in compliance with AS9100, first article inspection, and acceptance test requirements
- Lead capital investment planning for manufacturing equipment, facility upgrades, and automation technology
- Develop manufacturing workforce capability through skills training, cross-training, and apprenticeship programs
- Partner with supply chain to ensure materials availability, supplier qualification, and on-time delivery
- Lead manufacturing readiness reviews (MRRs) and production readiness reviews (PRRs) for new programs entering production
Leading Employers in Chesapeake
The Aerospace & Defense talent pool in Chesapeake is shaped by movement between these anchor employers and their tier-one supplier base:
Required Experience & Background
- 15+ years in aerospace or defense manufacturing with at least 5 years in manufacturing VP/Director leadership
- Active Secret clearance required; TS preferred for classified production environments
- AS9100D quality system expertise required
- Demonstrated experience managing manufacturing operations producing complex defense hardware
- Strong background in lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, and advanced manufacturing technology
- Experience leading production readiness activities and manufacturing process qualification for new programs
Core Leadership Competencies
- Production Leadership: Ability to drive high-complexity manufacturing organizations to meet demanding schedule and quality targets
- Lean Excellence: Deep knowledge of lean production systems and waste elimination in job-shop defense environments
- Quality Commitment: Unwavering focus on first-time quality, defect prevention, and AS9100 compliance
- Capital Planning: Skill in justifying and managing manufacturing capital investments to optimize production capability
- Workforce Development: Proven ability to build and sustain skilled manufacturing teams in competitive labor markets
Regulatory & Compliance Context
Defense manufacturing VPs must comply with AS9100D, NADCAP for special process approvals, MIL-STD-1916 for acceptance sampling, and applicable MIL-SPECs for materials, processes, and testing. ITAR compliance governs production documentation and access to manufacturing environments for foreign nationals.
Compensation Benchmarks for Chesapeake, VA
Nexoval Search Partners' Approach in Chesapeake
Nexoval Search Partners's dedicated Aerospace & Defense practice maintains active relationships with the executive talent community across Chesapeake and the broader Virginia market. Our consultants conduct thorough market mapping of available passive and active candidates across the region's leading employers, from established industry leaders to innovative growth companies. Every engagement includes confidential outreach, rigorous competency-based assessment, and candidate presentation within 45 to 60 days of engagement launch. Nexoval Search Partners's retained search model and one-year replacement guarantee ensure every executive we place in Chesapeake, Virginia delivers long-term organizational value.