Chief Operating Officer, Mexico Operations

CONFIDENTIAL RETAINED SEARCH 

Search Reference: TNF-2026-COO-MX-01 | Retained exclusively by Top Notch Finders, Inc.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Top Notch Finders has been retained on an exclusive and confidential basis by a privately held, US-headquartered manufacturer of engineered composite products serving the heavy truck, automotive, HVAC and industrial markets. Our client operates a mature, multi-plant manufacturing campus in the Monterrey metropolitan area with more than 1,000 employees, supported by a North American network of plants and a culture built on ownership, integrity and care for people.

The company seeks a Chief Operating Officer, Mexico Operations to lead the full scope of its Mexican manufacturing enterprise, with additional oversight of a US satellite operation in Texas. This is a career-defining seat for an operations executive who wants true P&L ownership, direct access to the company President, and the mandate to shape the next decade of a nearshoring success story.

THE MANDATE

Reporting directly to the President of the company, the COO will hold full P&L responsibility for the Mexico operations and will lead a complete executive team including Plant Managers, Human Resources, EHS, Quality, Supply Chain and Finance, plus the Texas tier-one operation.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Own the P&L: revenue delivery, cost structure, capital planning and operational results for a multi-plant composites manufacturing campus.
• Lead safety, quality and delivery performance to world-class standards across highly technical molding operations that combine automation with skilled craftsmanship.
• Drive lean manufacturing and continuous improvement as an operating system, not a program.
• Ensure full compliance with ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 management systems, and with Mexican labor, trade and IMMEX/maquiladora regulatory frameworks.
• Build, develop and retain a high-performing bicultural leadership team, and sustain a positive, compliant labor environment in the post-reform, USMCA era.
• Serve as the trusted operational bridge between the Mexican organization and US headquarters, translating strategy in both directions with fluency and credibility.
• Position the operation to capture nearshoring growth: capacity, talent, automation and customer confidence.

THE EXECUTIVE WE SEEK

• 7 to 10+ years of progressive leadership in similar manufacturing operations, with prior general management or multi-plant responsibility and demonstrated P&L ownership.
• Deep maquiladora/IMMEX operating experience, preferably in automotive or adjacent regulated manufacturing (composites, plastics, heavy vehicle, appliance or industrial products).
• A proven lean manufacturing track record with measurable results in safety, quality, delivery and cost.
• Working command of ISO 9001, IATF 16949 and ISO 14001 environments.
• Fully bilingual (Spanish/English) and genuinely bicultural: able to lead a Mexican workforce and report into a US executive team with equal effectiveness.
• A leadership style aligned with a values-driven, people-first ownership culture: humble, hands-on, visible on the floor, and accountable.
• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations or related field required; MBA or equivalent preferred.

COMPENSATION

A highly competitive executive package including base salary, performance bonus, executive benefits and relocation support where applicable. Details will be shared with qualified finalists.

CONFIDENTIALITY

This search is strictly confidential. The client’s identity will be disclosed only to qualified candidates under mutual confidentiality, at the appropriate stage of the process. All inquiries and applications are handled with complete discretion; your candidacy will never be presented to any company without your explicit prior consent.

HOW TO APPLY

Submit your confidential resume referencing TNF-2026-COO-MX-01