Operations Manager

Overview

Direct Hire, Aerospace Operations Manager - Brea CA

Directs and coordinates the activities of the manufacturing/operations/production department within a business unit. Focuses on cost-effective utilization of manpower, capital equipment, and other resources to manufacture products that meet targets for profitability, on-time delivery, productivity, and quality. Coordinates with sales, inspection, purchasing, and other functions to plan and maintain optimal output, customer satisfaction, and new product production. Responsible for operating budgets, shipments, productivity, continuous improvement, manpower planning, and customer satisfaction.

Engages the workforce, promotes accountability, and empowers employees to drive decision making, foster innovation, and continuous learning with ongoing feedback.

• Directs and manages the work activities of the manufacturing function including molding, assembly, engineering support functions, and production control for a major product group.
• Maintains production reporting, accurate inventory counts, and variance analysis to minimize yield loss, repairs, and scrap.
• Analyzes costs, expenses, operating efficiency, and losses to ensure profitability.
• Oversees the cost-effective utilization of manpower, capital equipment, and other resources to meet targets for profitability, on-time delivery, productivity, and quality.
• Reviews production orders/schedules to determine product data, quantities, specifications, and delivery dates to plan department operations.
• Monitors work in process to meet schedules or reschedule as needed.
• Plans production operations per master schedule, establishing priorities and sequences; coordinates activities to meet specifications.
• Reviews production and operating reports, resolves problems to minimize costs and delays; monitors machines and equipment for optimal performance.
• Prepares annual maintenance and capital improvements plans; recommends capital expenditures.
• Ensures tooling and materials are available for production lines and necessary jigs/tools are created or modified.
• Maintains morale, job satisfaction, and productivity; ensures adherence to company policies and procedures.

• Manages subordinate supervisors/managers who supervise approximately 60–150 employees in molding, assembly, and product support departments.
• Interviews, hires, trains, assigns, directs, appraises, rewards, disciplines, and resolves employee issues.
• Supports continuous improvement/lean manufacturing programs (value stream mapping, 5S, Kaizen, Visual Controls, Pull/Kanban, standardized work, line balancing, etc.).
• Drives safety, quality, service, and cost metrics; assesses team performance against metrics.
• Prepare capital expenditure requests for possible funding based on financial analysis.
• Proactively solves problems, builds leadership capability, and challenges current practices.
• Implements performance management, attendance, staffing, and training; provides coaching and feedback.
• Promotes safe work practices and regulatory compliance (OSHA and applicable standards).

• 5+ years of progressively responsible management experience in engineering or manufacturing; preferably aerospace or defense.
• BS/BA in Engineering, Business, or related field.
• Knowledge of production control, manufacturing processes, and tooling within a business unit.
• Demonstrated cost management in functional areas such as assembly, manufacturing engineering, and materials.
• Strong consulting and coaching skills; ability to present ideas clearly and simply.
• ERP systems and/or other financial/operational software proficiency.
• Some travel required (