Manufacturing Ops Leader

The Manufacturing Operations Leader will own and drive the performance of two key value streams within our aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. This leader will be responsible for delivering safe, high-quality, cost-effective products on schedule while developing a high-performing operations organization. The ideal candidate is an experienced manufacturing leader with 7+ years of progressive experience in a people-leading role who can translate business objectives into disciplined operational execution. This role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement, and a deep commitment to quality and customer mission success.

Note: This job description provides an outline of the essential functions and qualifications necessary for this position. It is not all-inclusive and duties may change, be added or deleted according to business need.

SUMMARY:

The Manufacturing Operations Leader will own and drive the performance of two key value streams within our aerospace and defense manufacturing environment. This leader will be responsible for delivering safe, high-quality, cost-effective products on schedule while developing a high-performing operations organization.

The ideal candidate is an experienced manufacturing leader with 7+ years of progressive experience in a people-leading role who can translate business objectives into disciplined operational execution. This role requires strong leadership, cross-functional collaboration, continuous improvement, and a deep commitment to quality and customer mission success.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Strive toward a culture of proactive safety.
• Establish operational priorities, performance goals, and accountability across both value streams.
• Develop and execute production plans to meet customer schedules and business objectives.
• Monitor key performance indicators and drive corrective actions when targets are not achieved.
• Partner closely with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, Human Resources, and other functions to resolve production issues.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, and other operational excellence methodologies.
• Identify and eliminate bottlenecks, waste, production constraints, and process inefficiencies.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense quality standards, company procedures, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support new product introduction, production ramp-up, process improvements, and manufacturing readiness activities.
• Manage capacity, labor, equipment, and resource requirements across both value streams.
• Lead root-cause analysis and corrective/preventive actions for recurring operational issues.
• Develop and manage operating budgets while identifying opportunities to improve cost and productivity.
• Establish effective visual management and daily operating rhythms to maintain focus on critical metrics.
• Communicate operational performance, risks, and improvement plans to senior leadership.
• Foster a collaborative environment focused on delivering reliable aerospace and defense products that support the warfighter.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree in Operations Management or related field preferred.
• 7-10 years of progressive manufacturing or operations leadership experience, preferably within aerospace, defense, aviation, or another highly regulated industry.
• Demonstrated experience leading multiple manufacturing teams, production areas, or value streams.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, production planning, capacity management, and operational metrics.
• Proven ability to lead through complex production challenges and deliver measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Experience with Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, or other continuous improvement methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of quality systems and manufacturing requirements applicable to aerospace and defense environments.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and retain high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate across Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, and executive leadership.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems and manufacturing performance metrics.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities and demanding customer requirements.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods throughout the work shift.