Director, Production

Overview

Director, Production – The Director, Operations for ITT Aerospace Controls in Valencia, CA. Responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations with approximately 350 employees. Ensures customer-focused performance through operational excellence, safety, and quality while aligning site performance with company objectives. The Director of Operations has full P&L responsibility for the site and provides strategic direction, leads cross-functional teams, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to achieve financial, operational, and customer goals.

This role reports to the Executive Director, Operations Control Technologies. Aerospace Controls offers a diversified portfolio of products and services for global aerospace markets. We are leading the way in design, development & manufacture of harsh environment actuators, fluid control devices, noise abatement, conveyance and heaters for the Aerospace industry.

Overall expectations for the position:
Ensure that objectives are attained in an effective manner that is consistent with quality requirements. Delegate authority to key managers and supervisors in safety, delivery, engineering, supply chain, quality, program management, sales and facilities. Lead all functional areas involved.

• Lead and develop a high performing team to meet or exceed business objectives. Include modeling and driving Safety, Quality and Continuous Improvement.
• Champion engagement, culture, respect and a customer-centric mindset at all levels of the plant.
• Manage all production programs and operations to achieve on-time delivery and within-budget performance. Include implementation and driving continuous improvement programs.
• Ensure full compliance with 5S and create a world-class safety culture.
• Remain in compliance with aerospace quality certifications and standards (ISO-9001, AS9100, etc.), as well as all health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Report to management and perform real-time tracking and performance to KPIs; be proactive in executing corrective actions to address deficiencies as required.
• Champion the development and use of an approved ERP system.
• Control direct and indirect costs to achieve company budget goals.
• Develop and manage production operations department budgets.
• Lead the facilities department to ensure implementation of a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all equipment.
• Maintain effective and frequent communication with other functional departments to ensure that all production goals and metrics are known and met.
• Perform other duties as required to successfully perform the mission.

7+ years in the following areas:

• Automation Engineering: Developing, implementing, and optimizing automated manufacturing and assembly systems to improve efficiency, consistency, and throughput.
• Assembly Automation Leadership: Driving automation initiatives from concept to deployment, including equipment specification, design review, process validation, and continuous improvement.
• Project Management: Leading automation projects, coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines, and ensuring successful delivery of deliverables.
• New Technology Integration: Researching, evaluating, and introducing new technologies to enhance production capabilities and strategic innovation.
• Process Optimization: Analyzing workflows and identifying opportunities for automation, cost reduction, and productivity improvement.
• Technical Problem Solving: Troubleshooting automated systems, identifying root causes, and implementing long-term solutions.
• Collaboration & Communication: Working with engineering, operations, maintenance, and suppliers to drive alignment and support automation strategy.

Maintain real-time monitoring and be proactive in implementing course corrections to drive continuous improvement. Provide monthly reports to management about results and improvements. Strive toward 100% compliance with safety, quality, on-time delivery, first-time yield (FTY), scrap, and production revenue monthly plan.

• Bachelor's degree in an engineering discipline (Industrial Engineering or MBA…