Operations Manager

Leading Aerospace Manufacturer

Position Overview

Our client, a leading aerospace manufacturer, is seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations within a highly automated, fast-paced production environment. This role is responsible for driving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity performance while developing frontline leaders and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. The Operations Manager will oversee multiple manufacturing departments, lead teams of managers and supervisors, and play a key role in achieving operational excellence across the facility.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for daily manufacturing operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective production.
• Lead and develop a team of production managers, supervisors, and frontline leaders to achieve operational goals and build organizational capability.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives using Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management methodologies.
• Monitor and improve key performance indicators (KPIs) related to safety, quality, delivery, productivity, scrap, and labor efficiency.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Maintenance, and EH&S teams to resolve operational issues and improve overall plant performance.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace quality standards, customer requirements, and regulatory guidelines.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance throughput, reduce waste, and optimize manufacturing performance.
• Manage labor planning, staffing strategies, and production scheduling to meet customer delivery requirements.
• Support capital investment projects, process automation initiatives, and operational modernization efforts.
• Utilize financial and operational data to support decision-making, forecasting, budgeting, and cost reduction activities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, employee engagement, and operational excellence throughout the organization.
• Lead root cause investigations and corrective action efforts related to safety, quality, and production concerns.

Basic Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of 7 years of manufacturing experience with at least 5 years of leadership experience; OR
• Minimum of 3 years of leadership experience with at least 1 year leading leaders within operations in a casting manufacturing environment.
• Demonstrated experience managing production teams in a manufacturing setting.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire.
• Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• Experience within the aerospace, investment casting, metal casting, or precision manufacturing industries.
• Proven ability to create a highly engaged and performance-driven work environment.
• Demonstrated success implementing Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong technical understanding of manufacturing processes, production systems, and operational best practices.
• Experience with tooling, molds, and dies within Investment Casting, Injection Molding, Metal Stamping, or similar manufacturing environments.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Financial acumen including budgeting, cost control, labor management, and operational performance analysis.
• Experience leading large, multi-shift manufacturing teams and leaders of leaders.