Production Manager

Introduction

Kearfott Corporation is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components. Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence, and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries.

This position is responsible for managing activities related to the timely and quality manufacture of highly engineered products, including manpower and schedules, budgets, and special tasks. This position reports to the Director of Operations.

• Manages all of Asheville manufacturing operations on a day to day basis including, machining, assembly, test, and tooling design and creation.
• Executes to job planning requirements (capacity planning, manpower planning and assignment and task definition). Implements cost control functions, metrics and actions (productivity improvements, product cost, cost reduction, cost estimating, rework, scrap reduction and estimates to complete).
• Coordinates department activities and works collaboratively with other functions; including Quality Assurance, Material, Manufacturing Engineering, etc. to achieve business objectives.
• Supports rapid turn times for both aftermarket Service & Repair and prototype developments.
• As a team leader holds members accountable for performance through clear direction and the use of fair, objective criteria. Provides routine feedback coaching for member development.
• Prepares and controls expense operating budgets.
• Performs area/facility planning, surveillance and oversees maintenance, housekeeping, contamination control, and equipment.
• Drives production costs to the lowest possible level in collaboration with the other Kearfott sites.
• Remains abreast of new manufacturing technologies as well as benchmarking best practices.
• Facilitates the development of talent and skills in the workforce.

• Provides requisite leadership and motivation.
• High performance, tenacious, meets commitments, plans contingencies.
• Organized, capable of multitasking and setting priorities.
• Makes timely, effective decisions, uses financial and quantitative data.
• Develops the capability of individuals and teams resulting in measurable results.
• Demonstrates a commitment to product quality, delivery and continuous improvement.
• Solid communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to communicate across all functions and with all levels of the organization

• 7+ years of manufacturing experience with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• 3+ years of aerospace manufacturing experience.
• BA/BS in Engineering or Business Management preferred.
• Equivalent combinations of education, training, and meaningful work experience will be considered.
• Working knowledge of lean manufacturing techniques, ERP controls, and Continuous Improvement is essential.