Erik Victor
Vice President, Manufacturing

Motto: “Better, not perfect.”

As Vice President of Manufacturing at Sterling, Erik Victor oversees both strategic and day-to-day operations within the manufacturing divisions in Phoenix, IL, and Lufkin, TX. He leads and coordinates a diverse team, aligning manufacturing activities with the company’s goals. His responsibilities include developing and implementing innovative manufacturing strategies, continuous process improvements, and rigorous quality control measures to maintain Sterling’s competitive edge in the industry.

Erik’s academic journey began at Humboldt State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts. He furthered his education with a Master of Arts in Education, specializing in Instruction and Curriculum Design, from the University of Phoenix. Initially, his career took him to Japan, where he taught and gained profound cross-cultural experience. Returning to the U.S., he continued teaching in Southern California’s public school system.

A pivotal moment in Erik’s career occurred during a summer job at Parker Hannifin’s Aerospace Group. His involvement in developing a certified practitioner program for continuous improvement tools shifted his trajectory toward operational excellence. This opportunity allowed him to leverage his skills in education and continuous improvement, setting the stage for future roles.

Progressing through various positions at Parker Hannifan, Erik managed day-to-day factory operations and later oversaw multi-site operations as a Director of Operations for a Danaher operating company. His career culminated as a General Manager for a top 100 London stock exchange company, where he managed a $100 million P&L, blending strategic vision with operational acumen.

Adopting a servant leadership style, Erik focuses on serving others and ensuring their success. He prioritizes understanding and addressing the needs of employees, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard. This approach includes encouraging open communication, providing support, and removing obstacles that hinder team progress.

Early career experiences taught Erik the importance of engaging and investing in his team. Realizing that sustained high performance is unattainable without a truly engaged team, he shifted his leadership style to emphasize the well-being and development of his team as the cornerstone of long-term success.

Drawn to the manufacturing industry by its complex interplay of finance, operational excellence, and supply chain management, Erik has consistently driven significant impact through innovation and strategic leadership. At his previous company, he developed strategic processes and led significant restructuring efforts to enhance operational efficiency and team cohesion.

Joining Sterling for its outstanding reputation, rich history, and entrepreneurial spirit, Erik is enthusiastic about driving transformative initiatives that align with the company’s ambitious goals. He believes that market success lies in a commitment to operational excellence and an unwavering focus on customer feedback. By building strong foundational systems and fostering people development, Sterling aligns its operations with customer needs, delivering exceptional value and driving sustainable growth and innovation.