Job Description

Position Summary

The Operations Manager leads, manages, and continuously improves the operational functions of a precision manufacturing and distribution facility specializing in aerospace fasteners. This role is responsible for ensuring high standards of quality, safety, cost-efficiency, and on-time delivery, with a focus on meeting rigorous regulatory and customer requirements (such as NAS, AN, ASTM, etc.). The position requires coordination of production, tooling, materials, personnel, and processes to achieve throughput targets, while championing lean manufacturing, process improvement, and compliance initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee all daily manufacturing operations, including forging (cold/hot heading), machining, thread rolling, grinding, inspection/NDT, and finishing, as applicable.
• Ensure production schedules are met with optimal equipment and labor utilization, minimal downtime, and consistent throughput.
• Collaborate with Production Planning/Control to forecast demand, schedule production, and align material, labor, and tooling needs.
• Monitor and drive key performance metrics: Safety, Quality, Cost, Delivery (SQCD), scrap rate, first-pass yield, customer reject rate, throughput, cycle time, tooling life, and more.
• Implement and sustain Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies (5S, Kaizen, value stream mapping, SMED, etc.) to reduce waste and improve efficiency.
• Manage tooling and equipment, ensuring maintenance, calibration, repair/replacement, and preventive maintenance programs are in place for high reliability.
• Ensure compliance with aerospace industry regulations and standards (AS9100, NADCAP, customer specs), including inspection/NDT, documentation, process validation, and traceability.
• Promote Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) standards, fostering a safety-first culture and ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations and policies.
• Supervise and develop manufacturing supervisors and frontline staff, including hiring, performance reviews, discipline, training, and skills development.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, Materials, Tooling, Supply Chain, and other support teams to resolve issues, introduce new products, and optimize processes.
• Manage budgets for labor, materials, tooling, and overhead; control variable costs; and assist in capital planning for equipment upgrades and facility expansions.
• Allocate resources (manpower, machines, space) and cross-train staff as needed to address production fluctuations or bottlenecks.
• Ensure supplier quality, material conformity, and lead times; manage external subcontractors as needed; and integrate customer requirements into manufacturing planning.
• Prepare regular reports for senior leadership on production output, quality, safety, cost trends, root-cause analyses, and improvement project status.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, or Industrial Engineering (Master’s or relevant certification preferred).
• 7–10+ years in manufacturing operations, ideally in aerospace or another highly regulated sector; experience with fasteners is required.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing supervisors and operator teams, developing talent, setting goals, and holding teams accountable.
• Expertise in Lean manufacturing, continuous improvement tools, and root cause analysis (e.g., 8D, 5 Why, SPC).
• Strong understanding of fastener manufacturing processes: forging, machining, threading, plating/coating, heat treat, inspection/NDT, and materials behavior.
• Working knowledge of relevant standards and quality systems: AS9100, NADCAP, ISO, customer specifications, drawing interpretation, and tolerance control.
• Proficiency with ERP/MES systems for production planning, scheduling, and inventory; ability to analyze production/cost data (Excel or similar tools). Experience with M1 ERP is a plus.
• Strong organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills; ability to manage competing priorities and adapt to changing demands.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; ability to work effectively across functions.
• Safety mindset with knowledge of EHS regulations and experience leading safety programs.
• Strong focus on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled

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The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:

• The California Fair Chance Act

• Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance

• Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers

• San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

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