Manager - Operations

Sonaca North America is driven by a passion for innovation and a commitment to excellence. As a leading provider of aerospace and defense solutions, we are dedicated to making air and space travel safe and sustainable. We have 13 locations across North America and our engineering expertise and operational excellence set us apart from the competition. Since the beginning in 1948, we have a proven track record of delivering high‑quality products and services that are reliable, safe, and efficient.

We are seeking a highly experienced Operations Manager to oversee our site’s manufacturing operations and drive efficiency, productivity, and profitability. As the leader of our manufacturing team, you will be responsible for executing a clear vision, fostering a culture of safety, and coordinating various departments to meet customer delivery schedules. This position reports directly on‑site at our Saint Charles facility.

• Develop and execute a vision for the site and communicate that vision to leadership, employees, and customers.
• Ensure a culture of safety through personal leadership and site leadership team.
• Direct plant operations to reduce production costs, improve productivity, and meet customer delivery schedules.
• Coordinate the company’s operations including testing, composite fabrication quality, and administrative activities.
• Manage labor costs and establish production and quality control standards.
• Manage the environmental compliance program.
• Facilitate inter‑departmental communication in the plant and maximize operational efficiencies.
• Prepare forecasts and useful policy procedures covering people, materials, and equipment used in manufacturing and testing.
• Actively participate in the quality improvement process and drive plant improvement.
• Utilize, maintain, and monitor the effectiveness of all information support systems.
• Demonstrate expertise in facilities planning and streamline configuration to get the best coordination of people, materials, equipment, and methods.
• Maintain strong customer satisfaction from an operations perspective.

• Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years of progressive operations and leadership manufacturing management experience with 7–10 years overall manufacturing experience.
• Strong knowledge of aerospace systems and related component knowledge is preferred.
• Competent knowledge of material types, connectors, and system integrations.
• Demonstrated success in plant financial acumen with proven analytical and financial skills.
• Prior experience in bid and proposal estimates, tooling design and manufacture, prototype production, manufacturing process improvement, and capital equipment selection and procurement.
• Demonstrated success in lean manufacturing and continuous improvement.
• Track record of maintaining strong customer satisfaction from an operations perspective.
• A demonstrable understanding of National and International quality systems environments. ISO
  9000 background is a plus.

• 401(k) retirement savings plan with a company‑match contribution.
• Competitive wages.
• Paid holidays and paid time off.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental insurance.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability.
• Employee assistance plan providing counseling and community resources.
• Wellness program.
• Tuition assistance (subject to eligibility, terms, and conditions).
• Salary range: $135,000 – $150,000.

Sonaca North America is an equal employment opportunity employer. Consistent with applicable law, we provide access and opportunities to those with disabilities, and provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans who seek to access our online application system. We accept all applicants, including veterans, and will make every effort to respond within two business days. Sonaca North America is an E‑Verify Employer.