Director of Manufacturing Operations #1508

About Our Client

Our client stands as a global frontrunner in precision-engineered components and systems, delivering critical solutions to the aerospace, defense, and advanced industrial markets. With decades of manufacturing heritage, they've established themselves as a trusted partner known for exceptional quality, dependability, and forward-thinking innovation.

Operating as a privately held, values-centered enterprise, they maintain multiple manufacturing and engineering locations across the globe, serving premier OEMs and tier-one suppliers on cutting-edge industry programs. The organization blends the reliability of an established company with the responsiveness of a contemporary, expanding manufacturer, built on operational rigor and enduring client relationships.

Position Overview

Our client seeks a Director of Manufacturing Operations to join their executive leadership and take ownership of several operating divisions within their aerospace and defense business.

This opportunity presents remarkable advancement prospects for a seasoned manufacturing leader with demonstrated success managing sophisticated, multi-location operations. Regular travel across manufacturing facilities is an essential aspect of this on-site position.

Core Accountabilities

Operational Excellence

• Ensure compliance with industry quality standards and regulatory requirements
• Lead initiatives in production performance, supply chain management, and process optimization
• Full P&L accountability for assigned business units, ensuring financial performance, cost efficiency, and margin optimization
• Drive operational excellence and continuous improvement across multiple manufacturing sites

Business Strategy

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in engineering, sales, and program management to accelerate innovation and delivery
• Develop and execute business strategies that align with enterprise objectives and support sustainable growth
• Identify opportunities for market expansion, new customer engagement, and strategic partnerships

Team Development

• Promote talent development, succession readiness, and organizational capability building
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and servant leadership
• Build and develop high-performing teams across multiple locations

Financial Management

• Present operational results and strategic insights to the executive team with clarity and impact
• Deliver consistent, data-driven performance against ambitious growth targets
• Maintain rigorous financial oversight and forecasting accuracy

Requirements

Educational Background:

• Advanced business education (MBA or equivalent) preferred
• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering (required)

Industry Background:

• Experience managing multi-site operations and diverse product portfolios
• Demonstrated success in highly regulated, quality-driven production environments
• Deep understanding of precision machining, component manufacturing, or engineered systems
• Aerospace or defense manufacturing background required

Leadership Background:

• Proven success in senior operational or general management roles with full P&L responsibility
• Minimum 20 years of progressive leadership in manufacturing operations

Technical & Business Capabilities:

• Expertise in Lean, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement methodologies
• Ability to translate operational metrics into strategic decisions
• Strong financial and analytical skills with a strategic mindset

Benefits

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience (range: $250,000–$300,000)

• Annual performance bonus
• Long-term incentive or equity participation
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k)
• Paid time off, family leave, and relocation support

Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-Discrimination Policy 

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are Equal Opportunity Employers. For all positions, whether with Keller Executive Search or our clients, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, skin color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. 

Commitment to Diversity: Keller Executive Search and its clients are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where all individuals are valued and respected. 

Reasonable Accommodations: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities and pregnant individuals. We engage in an interactive process to determine effective, reasonable accommodations.  

Compensation Information: For client positions, compensation information is available in the job post. If not provided, it will be shared during the interview process in accordance with applicable laws. When required by law, salary ranges will be included in job postings. Actual salary may depend on skills, experience, and comparison to current employees in similar roles. Salary ranges may vary based on role and location. 

Compliance with Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. This policy applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. 

Workplace Harassment: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients expressly prohibit any form of workplace harassment based on race, skin color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status. 

E-Verify Participation: Keller Executive Search and/or our clients may participate in E-Verify. Information about E-Verify participation will be provided during the application process where applicable. 

Privacy and Pay Equity: 

• California Residents: For more information about the categories of personal information we collect for recruiting and employment purposes, please review our Privacy Policy at www.kellerexecutivesearch.com. 

• Colorado, Nevada, New York City, California, and Washington Residents: Compensation information is available in the job post or will be provided during the interview process if not initially available. 

• Both Keller Executive Search and our clients are committed to pay equity and conduct periodic pay equity analyses in accordance with applicable laws. 

State-Specific Information: 

• Rhode Island: We do not request or require salary history from applicants. 

• Connecticut: We provide wage range information upon request or before discussing compensation. 

• New Jersey: We do not inquire about salary history unless voluntarily disclosed. 

Veteran Status: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients provide equal employment opportunities to veterans and comply with applicable state laws regarding veteran preference in employment. If you are a veteran, please inform us during the application process. 

Use of Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment 

Keller Executive Search and our clients may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in the recruitment and candidate evaluation process. These tools are used exclusively to support human decision-making by helping to review and assess candidate qualifications and materials. AI is never used to automatically reject, disqualify, or make final hiring decisions about candidates. All AI-assisted evaluations are reviewed by experienced recruitment professionals, and all hiring decisions are made by qualified human recruiters. Our use of AI is designed to enhance fairness, consistency, and efficiency while maintaining our commitment to equal employment opportunity and non-discrimination principles. 

Genetic Information: In accordance with federal and state laws, both Keller Executive Search and our clients do not discriminate based on genetic information. We do not request or require genetic information from applicants or employees, except as permitted by law. 

Local Laws: Both Keller Executive Search and our clients comply with all applicable local laws and ordinances regarding employment practices in the areas where we operate. 

Note: This job posting may be for a position with Keller Executive Search or one of our clients. The specific employer will be identified during the application and interview process. Employment laws and requirements may vary depending on the employer and location.