MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS MANAGER

The Manufacturing Operations Manager is responsible for leading all aspects of manufacturing and production operations to achieve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer objectives. This role provides leadership across Production, Manufacturing Engineering, Planning, Facilities, and other assigned operations functions while ensuring the organization has the people, processes, equipment, and capacity required to support current programs and future growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead manufacturing and production operations with accountability for safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Develop and execute production, staffing, capacity, and resource plans aligned with business and program requirements.
• Lead, develop, and hold accountable operations managers and supervisors.
• Identify and resolve major production constraints, material issues, quality concerns, and operational risks.
• Drive continuous improvement in manufacturing flow, labor efficiency, cycle time, quality, standard work, and cost.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and communicate performance, risks, and corrective actions to executive leadership.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, Program Management, Finance, and Business Development to support execution and growth.
• Lead manufacturing readiness and transition of new products from development into repeatable production.
• Plan for future production rates, equipment, facilities, capital needs, and organizational capability.
• Ensure compliance with customer requirements, company procedures, configuration controls, and applicable aerospace and defense quality standards.
• Manage operational budgets, labor, equipment, and capital resources.
• Promote a culture of safety, accountability, teamwork, employee development, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations, Business, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• 15+ years of aerospace experience, including 10+ years in manufacturing operations management.
• Experience managing managers, supervisors, or multiple operational functions.
• Strong knowledge of production planning, capacity planning, manufacturing execution, and performance management.
• Demonstrated success improving safety, quality, delivery, cost, and productivity.
• Strong leadership, financial, analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Aerospace, defense, electronics, or other regulated manufacturing experience.
• Experience with low-volume/high-mix manufacturing and production rate increases.
• Working knowledge of AS9100, Lean Manufacturing, ERP/MRP systems, and continuous improvement methods.