Interim Operations and Production Manager

A private equity-backed manufacturer of validated medical sealing equipment for the pharmaceutical and medical device industries is integrating two acquired businesses with combined annual revenue of ~$15M. As part of this transaction, a $7-8M revenue division is being carved out from its corporate parent and relocated to a new facility in Massachusetts over a 90-120 day transition period.

We are seeking an Interim Operations and Production Manager to provide hands-on leadership for a small assembly team of 3-5 technicians during this critical carve-out and relocation. This is a shop-floor-focused, people-first leadership role — not a strategic or corporate position.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead daily production operations for light assembly of precision medical sealing equipment
• Manage the complete facility move, including equipment teardown, transport, reinstallation, and re-validation of production lines
• Maintain production continuity and quality standards throughout the transition
• Serve as the primary on-site liaison between the Massachusetts team and the California-based COO
• Foster team morale, manage uncertainty, and build a collaborative culture during change
• Ensure compliance with ISO 13485 and other relevant medical manufacturing standards

Required Qualifications

• Proven experience leading small assembly/manufacturing teams (3-10 people) in a light production environment
• Direct experience managing facility relocations and setting up new production lines
• High emotional intelligence with demonstrated ability to motivate teams through periods of ambiguity and change
• Hands-on operator who thrives on the shop floor, not a high-level strategist
• Available for full-time onsite work in Massachusetts for the entire 3-6 month engagement
• Broader manufacturing/assembly operations experience required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in medical device or pharmaceutical equipment manufacturing
• Familiarity with validated production environments
• Previous work in private equity-backed or carve-out situations