Director of Manufacturing

Director of Manufacturing

Compensation: $115,000–$130,000 Base Salary
Bonus: 8% Target Bonus
Location:New Hope, Mississippi

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Director of Manufacturing to lead manufacturing and operations within a highly regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment
.

This individual will be responsible for overall technical performance, quality performance, production schedules, cost efficiency, and manufacturing capabilities
. The Director will lead manufacturing operations while partnering closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure production capabilities support current requirements and future growth.

The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience within aerospace or defense manufacturing
, including experience supporting OEM customers, managing both prototype and series production, implementing Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, reducing manufacturing costs, and leading manufacturing teams through growth and operational change.

• Lead all aspects of the manufacturing and operations function.

• Ensure manufacturing capabilities meet or exceed customer and industry requirements for cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness
  .

• Oversee employees and manufacturing operations, including both internal and subcontracted manufacturing activities.

• Evaluate and allocate resources based on production requirements.

• Coordinate manufacturing activities to optimize quality, cost effectiveness, and production performance.

• Ensure manufacturing operations support company goals and customer commitments.

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

• Lead manufacturing operations supporting aerospace and defense products
  .

• Support Aerospace and Defense OEM requirements.

• Oversee manufacturing activities involving both prototype and series production programs
  .

• Maintain knowledge of aerospace and defense manufacturing processes, technologies, and industry requirements.

• Evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies and recommend investments that maintain leading-edge capabilities.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements across manufacturing performance, efficiency, quality, and cost.

• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to manufacturing operations.

• Identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing unit costs.

• Implement improvements that increase operational efficiency and contribution to gross margins.

• Lead organizational change and transformation initiatives.

• Develop and execute strategies designed to achieve measurable business results.

Strategic Leadership

• Work closely with executive leadership and cross-functional partners to develop manufacturing plans, goals, and future product strategies.

• Participate in senior-level negotiations and relationship development with customers and manufacturing partners.

• Translate organizational strategy into manufacturing execution.

• Solve complex and unusual operational challenges using strong analytical judgment.

• Support the continued development of a scalable and sustainable manufacturing organization.

People Leadership

• Build and develop a highly capable Manufacturing and Operations organization.

• Lead, mentor, and coach manufacturing personnel.

• Develop strong working relationships with employees, peers, customers, and leadership.

• Identify training and development requirements for supervisors and other manufacturing personnel.

• Partner with Human Resources regarding employee development and training.

• Complete timely annual performance evaluations for direct reports.

• Ensure compliance with company policies related to safety, attendance, conduct, and plant operations.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Develop and submit annual capital expenditure and operating expense budgets
  .

• Manage manpower, equipment, facilities, and other manufacturing resources.

• Optimize resource utilization to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

• Evaluate capital equipment and technology requirements.

• Support manufacturing capacity planning and future growth initiatives.

ERP & Manufacturing Systems

• Support the design and implementation of ERP systems
  .

• Utilize manufacturing systems and operational data to improve planning and execution.

• Ensure systems effectively support manufacturing operations and organizational growth.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering
  .

• Minimum 5 years of experience at the Director of Manufacturing level
  .

• Strong experience within aerospace and/or defense manufacturing
  .

• Demonstrated experience supporting Aerospace or Defense OEMs
  .

• Experience running aerospace or defense manufacturing operations.

• Experience supporting both prototype and series production programs
  .

• Strong knowledge of aerospace and defense manufacturing processes.

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience.

• Experience with
  Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma process improvement methodologies.

• Experience with
  ERP system design and implementation
  .

• Proven ability to reduce manufacturing unit costs and…