Director of Operations

Job Description

Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for driving operational excellence, manufacturing efficiency, quality performance, and customer satisfaction within a regulated aerospace manufacturing environment. This role leads production and operational strategy to improve productivity, reduce cost, optimize delivery performance, and ensure compliance with applicable regulatory, quality, and export control requirements, including ITAR regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Other duties may be assigned.

Strategic Planning

• Develop and implement strategic operational plans to enhance production efficiency, optimize workflows, and support business growth.
• Establish long-term operational goals and provide input into the Annual Operating Plan (AOP), including capital expenditure planning, staffing, and capacity planning aligned with company objectives.
• Support operational scalability while ensuring compliance with aerospace and export control requirements.

Operations Management

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations including production scheduling, resource allocation, WIP management, inventory control, and throughput optimization.
• Identify and mitigate operational bottlenecks to improve delivery performance and operational efficiency.
• Ensure operational consistency and adherence to documented procedures, quality standards, and customer requirements.

Process Improvement

• Identify, develop, and implement continuous improvement initiatives to enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve process reliability.
• Drive improvements in cycle time, defect reduction, labor efficiency, and manufacturing performance using Lean and/or Six Sigma methodologies.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and compliance.
• Establish performance expectations and conduct regular evaluations to ensure departmental and organizational goals are achieved.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Collaborate closely with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, Facilities, Finance, Program Management, and Sales teams to align operational capabilities with customer and business requirements.
• Facilitate effective communication between departments to improve coordination, execution, and responsiveness.

Safety and Compliance

• Ensure compliance with OSHA, environmental, quality, and regulatory requirements applicable to aerospace manufacturing operations.
• Promote and maintain a safe working environment through enforcement of company safety policies and procedures.
• Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, customer-specific, and company security requirements related to controlled products, technical data, and export-controlled information.

Performance Metrics

• Establish, monitor, and report key performance indicators (KPIs) related to operational efficiency, labor productivity, on-time delivery, quality, inventory accuracy, and cost performance.
• Analyze operational data to identify trends, risks, and opportunities for improvement.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Business Administration, or related field preferred.

Experience

• Minimum 5–7 years of progressive operations leadership experience within an aerospace or regulated manufacturing environment preferred.
• Demonstrated success implementing operational improvements resulting in measurable performance gains.
• Experience working within AS9100 and/or ISO-regulated environments preferred.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems in a manufacturing environment required.

Skills / Knowledge

• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Understanding of quality management systems, regulatory compliance, and safety standards.
• Ability to lead change initiatives and build high-performing teams.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and ERP/MRP systems.
• Working knowledge of ITAR/EAR compliance requirements preferred.

Personal Attributes

• Results-driven with strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

Physical Requirements

• Work is primarily performed in a manufacturing environment.
• Requires sufficient mobility and dexterity to perform job duties effectively.
• May require extended periods of standing, walking, or sitting, as well as occasional bending, twisting, pushing, pulling, and lifting.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation based on experience
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Paid time off, sick time, and paid holidays
• Career growth and professional development opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Equal Opportunity Employer: Disability/Veteran

ITAR Requirements

This position requires compliance with U.S. export control laws and regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). Access to controlled technical data, defense articles, or related information may be required. To comply with U.S. Government export regulations, applicants must be one of the following:

• U.S. citizen or U.S. national
• U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder)
• Refugee under 8 U.S.C. § 1157
• Asylee under 8 U.S.C. § 1158
• Or otherwise eligible to obtain the required export authorization from the appropriate U.S. Government agency

Employment is contingent upon the ability to comply with all applicable U.S. export control laws and regulations.