Director, Production

Overview

About ITT: ITT is a leading manufacturer of critical components for harsh environments serving fast-growing end markets in flow, aerospace and defense, energy and transportation. Headquartered in Stamford, CT, we have more than 11,700 employees globally with operations in 40 countries and sales in more than 125. Our engineering DNA anchors our culture, with 1,280+ engineers and 1,700+ active global patents across 51 manufacturing locations.

Our businesses are organized into three segments based on core engineering DNA:
Industrial Process, Motion Technologies, and Connect and Control Technologies.

Industrial Process: A global leader in centrifugal and twin-screw pumps and engineered valves for chemical, energy, mining, and industrial applications. Brands include Goulds Pumps, Bornemann, Habonim, Engineered Valves, Rheinhütte Pumpen and Svanehøj.

Motion Technologies: A global leader in brake pads and shock absorbers for transportation applications. Brands include Friction Technologies, KONI and Axtone.

Connect and Control Technologies: A leader in aerospace, defense and industrial markets, including harsh environment connectors and control components. Brands include ITT Cannon, Enidine, Aerospace Controls and kSARIA.

The Director, Operations for ITT Aerospace Controls in Valencia, CA, is responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations with approximately 350 employees. This role 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, 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, including harsh environment actuators, fluid control devices, noise abatement, conveyance and heaters for the Aerospace industry.

Overall expectations for the position: ensure objectives are attained in a manner 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.
  • Model and drive Safety, Quality and Continuous Improvement.
  • Champion engagement, culture, respect and customer-centric mindset at all levels of the plant.
• Manage all production programs and operations to achieve on-time and within-budget performance, including implementing and driving continuous improvement programs.
• Ensure full compliance with 5S and foster a world-class safety culture.
• Remain in compliance with aerospace quality certifications and standards (ISO 9001, AS9100) and all health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Report to management with real-time tracking and performance to KPIs; proactively execute corrective actions as required.
• Champion the development and use of an approved ERP system.
• Control direct and indirect costs to achieve budget goals.
• Develop and manage production operations department budgets.
• Lead facilities to implement a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all equipment.
• Maintain effective communication with other functional departments to ensure 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.
• 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 deliverables.
• New Technology Integration: researching, evaluating, and introducing new technologies to enhance production capabilities.
• Process Optimization: analyzing workflows to identify opportunities for automation, cost reduction and productivity improvement.
• Technical Problem-Solving: troubleshooting automated systems and implementing long-term solutions.
• Collaboration & Communication: partnering with engineering, operations, maintenance and suppliers to drive alignment.

Maintain real-time monitoring and implement course corrections to drive continuous improvement. Provide monthly reports to management on results and improvements. Strive toward 100% compliance with KPIs including safety, quality escapes, on-time delivery, first-time yield, scrap, and production revenue monthly plan.

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering…