Operations Manager

Princeton Tool South, a leader in precision machining and tooling for aerospace, defense, and power generation, is seeking an Operations Manager for our Production & Operations department. You will oversee day-to-day manufacturing operations, ensuring safety, quality, delivery, and cost targets are met. Responsibilities include capacity planning, workflow optimization, KPI management, and leading continuous improvement initiatives. You will manage and develop production teams, collaborate with engineering and quality, and drive on-time delivery of critical defense and aerospace components in a highly collaborative, innovation-focused culture.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day production and operations for precision machining and tooling in a defense and aerospace environment
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate workflow to ensure on-time delivery of CNC machined components and tooling assemblies
• Lead and develop production teams, fostering a culture of innovation, teamwork, and continuous improvement
• Implement and sustain lean manufacturing practices to improve throughput, reduce waste, and optimize resource utilization
• Monitor and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) such as on-time delivery, quality, scrap, rework, and labor efficiency
• Partner with Quality to ensure compliance with aerospace and defense standards, including AS9100 and customer-specific requirements
• Drive root cause analysis and corrective actions for production and quality issues, ensuring sustainable process improvements
• Collaborate with Engineering on manufacturability, process development, and continuous improvement of CNC programs and tooling
• Ensure adherence to safety policies and promote a safe, clean, and organized work environment
• Coordinate with Supply Chain to align material availability with production schedules and customer commitments
• Manage capacity planning, staffing levels, and shift structures to meet current and forecasted demand
• Support budgeting and cost-control initiatives, identifying opportunities to improve productivity and reduce operating costs
• Champion training, cross-training, and skills development to strengthen team capability and flexibility
• Communicate clearly with leadership, peers, and shop-floor teams regarding priorities, changes, and performance expectations

Required Skills

• Operations management
• Production planning and scheduling
• CNC machining processes
• Aerospace and defense manufacturing standards
• Lean manufacturing
• Continuous improvement (Kaizen)
• Root cause analysis
• CAPA (Corrective and Preventive Actions)
• Quality management systems (ISO/AS9100)
• ERP/MRP systems
• Capacity planning
• Workflow optimization
• Resource allocation
• Team leadership
• People management
• Performance management
• Data analysis and reporting
• Key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Safety management
• Regulatory compliance (ITAR / DFARS awareness)
• Reading technical drawings and blueprints
• Process documentation and standard work
• Vendor and supply chain coordination
• Cost reduction and productivity improvement
• Change management
• Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word)
• Communication and collaboration