Plant Manager - Aerospace & Defense Industry

Director, Operations - Aerospace & Defense Industry

Join to apply for the Director, Operations - Aerospace & Defense Industry role at C/A Design Inc.

C/A Design is part of the Heico Companies, and in the aggregate, Heico’s businesses generate more than $3.2 billion in revenue. C/A Design is a global leader in innovative thermal management solutions for a diverse range of markets. With over four decades of leadership and experience, we manufacture and sell thermal management products that remove excess heat from electronic components.

We are committed to never sacrificing safety. Our goal is to deliver industry‑leading quality and ontime delivery while providing an exceptional customer experience. We position ourselves as a leader through technological advancements, supply chain excellence, and a culture of success, collaboration, accountability, and shared vision.

The organization seeks an experienced, top‑performing Director of Operations to oversee plant activities at our Raleigh, NC manufacturing facility. The candidate will provide leadership and guidance aligned with the company’s vision and goals. This high‑visibility role reports directly to the President.

• Strive toward a proactive safety culture.
• Build integrity and openness; exemplify the highest standard of conduct.
• Drive site‑level strategic initiatives to promote revenue, profitability, and growth.
• Direct key facility personnel to achieve production efficiency, quality, service, and cost‑effective management of resources.
• Communicate key performance indicators to the workforce and drive daily/monthly/quarterly metrics.
• Partner with EH&S leadership to enforce a ‘work safe’ culture throughout the plant.
• Align with Human Resources leadership to ensure compliance with corporate objectives.
• Oversee inventory and support finance & accounting teams with segment‑level initiatives.
• Embrace 5S methodologies to support lean and world‑class facility standards.
• Interface with customers and represent the facility as needed.
• Maintain compliance with ISO certification, AS 9100, and support ITAR/NIST & CMMC efforts.
• Exemplify core values through leadership and action and actively participate in the executive leadership team.

• BS Degree in an Engineering discipline; MBA or advanced degree highly desirable.
• 15+ years in Manufacturing leadership (CNC fabrication, machine shop experience required).
• Lean certification – Black Belt preferred with proven implementation track record.
• Plant relocation experience highly desirable (upcoming 2027 relocation within 20 miles).
• Progressive career reflecting challenges met, drive, ambition, and leadership capabilities.
• Relative experience or exposure from the Defense and/or Aerospace industry.
• Proven strategic planning and execution success in a similar organization.
• Skill in re‑engineering operations and procedures to pivot as needed.
• Ability to communicate and mentor teams at all levels.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication and presentation skills.
• Technical capabilities – ERP/MRP, MS Office proficiency.

• Building effective teams.
• Customer focus.
• Drive for results.
• Managing with vision and purpose.
• Strategic agility.

The physical demands include occasional standing, walking, sitting, handling objects, reaching, and using a computer keyboard for long periods. Occasionally lift or move 25 pounds.

Office, plant, warehouse, or remote locations. In the plant or warehouse, the employee is exposed to noise and aluminum particles. Noise level is moderate; hearing protection may be required. Safety glasses are required in the plant. Remote location conditions vary by job requirements.

Director

Full‑time

Management and Manufacturing;
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing