Operations Manager

Overview

We are partnered with a growing aerospace and defense manufacturing business that plays a critical role within highly regulated aerospace supply chains. The organization supports major OEM and Tier 1 customers through complex manufacturing and special process operations, delivering high-value services on mission-critical aerospace components. Following a recent internal promotion, the business is looking to appoint an Operations Manager to join the site leadership team and take ownership of day-to-day operational performance.

This is a highly visible leadership position with responsibility across production, quality, safety, delivery, workforce engagement, and continuous improvement. The opportunity offers long-term progression potential, with a strong track record of developing internal talent and promoting high performers into broader site leadership positions.

The successful candidate will work closely with senior leadership while building the skills and experience required for future advancement.

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing and operational activities across a complex aerospace environment
• Drive improvements in productivity, quality, delivery performance, safety, and operational efficiency
• Manage and develop supervisors, team leaders, and production personnel
• Build a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement
• Lead operational KPI reviews and performance management processes
• Support capacity planning, resource allocation, and production execution
• Partner closely with quality, supply chain, engineering, and commercial teams to achieve business objectives
• Develop future leaders within the organization and strengthen succession planning

• Operations leadership experience within aerospace, defense, precision manufacturing, metals, industrial manufacturing, or other highly regulated environments
• Experience leading large production teams through supervisors and front-line leadership
• Strong understanding of manufacturing KPIs, quality systems, operational performance, and continuous improvement
• Demonstrated ability to motivate teams and drive accountability
• Strong problem-solving capability with a hands-on leadership style
• Experience operating within fast-paced, performance-driven environments
• Aerospace or defense industry experience preferred
• Bilingual English/Spanish capability would be advantageous but is not essential

• Key leadership role within a growing aerospace and defense business
• Significant visibility with senior leadership
• Opportunity to influence operational strategy and site performance
• Strong culture of leadership development and internal promotion
• Long-term career progression potential
• Stable, growing organization serving critical aerospace programs