Vice President Service & Operations (Pittsburgh)

We are currently recruiting a Vice President Service & Operations USA for our client KASTO, a family-owned German-based manufacturer with a strong international presence in metal sawing machines, automated storage systems, and material handling solutions. This role carries full responsibility for operational excellence, service performance, and project execution across the United States.

Position Summary The Vice President Service & Operations USA is responsible for leading service, project management, warehousing, and overall operational activities across North America. The position combines strategic operational leadership with hands-on responsibility for complex installation projects, site management, aftermarket performance, and operational process excellence. The role reports directly to the German headquarters and forms the executive leadership team of KASTO Inc. in North America, together with the VP Sales USA. The position carries responsibility for service operations including spare parts, service contracts, installations, and project execution for automated storage systems and metal sawing machines. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in industrial machinery environments and complex project-based system installations. In addition, the role includes leading and further developing a multi-disciplinary service and operations organization, with a clear mandate to strengthen structures, improve execution quality, and support sustainable growth. The role operates within a focused North American organization of approx. 40 employees and requires a highly hands-on, entrepreneurial leadership approach.

Why This Role Is Attractive Hands-on executive leadership role with full operational responsibility in North America Strong mandate to shape and further professionalize service, site management, and project execution structures High visibility role with close interaction and alignment with global executive management

Main Responsibilities Define and execute the operational and service strategy across installations, project management, spare parts, and warehouse operations Lead executive-level project governance with customers, ensuring professional communication, clear accountability, and strong commercial positioning Ensure effective planning, coordination, and execution of system installations, with clear accountability for timelines, quality, and delivery performance from site preparation to final acceptance Build, qualify, and develop a nationwide network of certified external installation and service partners Actively lead and supervise external contractors on project sites, including RFQs, commercial negotiations, contract agreements, on-site coordination, and performance management Drive financial performance and commercial accountability for service and aftermarket activities including spare parts, service contracts, and installations Act as primary interface between U.S. operations, customers, and German headquarters Ensure high customer satisfaction through structured escalation management and proactive communication Oversee spare parts inventory management, purchasing, pricing approvals, and warranty documentation processes Lead and further develop the service, warehouse, and project management teams, including performance management and administrative leadership responsibilities Drive continuous improvement of processes, reporting, planning, and operational performance metrics Ensure compliance with OSHA and all relevant safety and regulatory standards Prepare regular operational performance reports and actively participate in management and strategy meetings Support sales with technical and operational expertise in complex project proposals and customer concepts

Candidate Profile Degree in Industrial Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or comparable education, Master’s preferred Proven leadership experience in operations, service, or project management within material handling systems, automated storage solutions, or machine tools for metal processing Strong background in managing complex, project-based capital equipment installations, including coordination of mechanical and electrical contractors Experience leading multidisciplinary operational teams in a lean organizational environment, with a structured and execution-oriented leadership style Solid technical understanding of machinery and automation systems combined with the ability to remain hands-on in critical project phases when required Commercially aware with experience driving operational performance and service-related financial results Experience working in international environments; German language skills are considered a plus Willingness to travel regularly within the United States, approximately forty to fifty percent, with occasional visits to headquarters in Germany

Company Profile KASTO Group is a long-established, family-owned European industrial machinery manufacturer with a global footprint and approx. 700 employees worldwide. The company is recognized for engineering excellence, durable machinery, automated material-handling solutions, and a strong commitment to innovation and customer service. The organization serves customers in a wide range of industries such as aerospace, automotive, steel distribution, and general industrial sectors. The culture is people-oriented, loyal, and craftsmanship-driven, with many long-tenured employees and a strong emphasis on quality and long-term relationships.