Sr Director of Operations

Job Description

Are you a Director of Operations searching for an opportunity offering major career advancement in a Multi-Billion-Dollar Aerospace manufacturing organization?

Our exclusive client, a global Aerospace & Defense manufacturing organization, is seeking a dynamic Director of Operations to lead their largest site (~900 headcount) in the Glendale, CA area.
As a key business partner to the General Manager, you will plan and direct all operational initiatives for a site exceeding $300M in operations! This is a pivotal leadership role where your expertise will drive financial strategy, operational excellence, and future growth in a high-impact industry.

As the Director of Operations, you will oversee all aspects of our manufacturing operations, ensuring efficiency, quality, and safety while driving strategic initiatives to support company growth. Reporting directly to the CEO, you will lead a team of professionals and collaborate across departments to optimize processes, manage resources, and deliver exceptional results.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership: Develop and implement strategies to enhance manufacturing efficiency, productivity, and quality while meeting production schedules and customer requirements.

• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing operations team, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Process Optimization: Drive lean manufacturing initiatives, streamline workflows, and implement best practices to reduce costs and improve operational performance.

• Resource Management: Oversee budgeting, resource allocation, and capital investments to ensure operational goals are met within financial constraints.

• Quality & Compliance: Ensure compliance with industry standards, regulations, and safety protocols, maintaining the highest levels of product quality and workplace safety.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with engineering, supply chain, and sales teams to align operations with business objectives and customer needs.

• Performance Metrics: Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to track operational success and identify areas for improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field; MBA or advanced degree preferred.

• 10+ years of experience in operations management within aerospace, defense, or a related manufacturing industry.

• Proven track record of leading complex manufacturing operations and driving process improvements.

• Strong knowledge of lean manufacturing, Six Sigma, or other continuous improvement methodologies.

• Exceptional leadership and communication skills, with the ability to inspire and manage diverse teams.

• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and resource planning in a manufacturing environment.

• Familiarity with aerospace industry standards (e.g., AS9100, ITAR) and regulatory requirements.

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and make data-driven decisions.