Operations Manager

Position Summary

The Operations Manager is responsible for the end-to-end operational leadership of an aerospace manufacturing facility operating under AS9100 and FAA Part 145 Repair Station regulatory frameworks. This role oversees production, repair station activities, customer interface, quoting support, scheduling, cost control, and KPI performance.

The position requires a hands-on leader with demonstrated aerospace experience, regulatory knowledge, and the ability to balance operational efficiency with strict compliance requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct daily manufacturing and repair station operations.
• Ensure compliance with AS9100, FAA Part 145, and customer-specific requirements.
• Oversee production planning, workflow control, and capacity management.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams (Quality, Engineering, Purchasing, Production, Shipping/Receiving).
• Drive on-time delivery (OTD) and cost containment initiatives.

FAA Repair Station Oversight

• Ensure compliance with Repair Station Manual (RSM), Quality Manual, and FAA regulations.
• Support FAA audits, customer audits, and surveillance activities.
• Coordinate corrective actions and continuous improvement efforts.
• Maintain operational readiness for regulatory inspections.

Customer Interaction & Quoting Support

• Serve as primary operational contact for customers.
• Support RFQs by providing labor estimates, production routing input, capacity review, and material lead-time input.
• Participate in contract review meetings.
• Ensure customer KPIs (OTD, quality, turnaround time) are achieved.

Production Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and manage the Master Production Schedule (MPS).
• Align workload with staffing and facility capacity.
• Monitor WIP, bottlenecks, and throughput.
• Drive schedule adherence and expedite critical orders when necessary.

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Support annual operating budget development.
• Monitor labor utilization, overtime, and productivity metrics.
• Review job cost performance and margin impact.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities without compromising compliance.

KPI Management

Responsible for achieving and reporting on:

• On-Time Delivery (Goal: 95%)
• Internal Scrap/Rework Rate
• Customer PPM
• Turnaround Time (TAT)
• Labor Efficiency
• Revenue vs. Budget
• Safety & Compliance Metrics

Team Leadership & Development

• Supervise production supervisors and leads.
• Conduct performance evaluations.
• Drive accountability and workforce engagement.
• Support training initiatives (technical & compliance-based).
• Foster a culture of safety, integrity, and continuous improvement.

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of aerospace manufacturing and/or FAA repair station experience.
• Experience working in an AS9100 certified environment.
• Working knowledge of FAA Part 145 regulations.
• Proven experience supporting customer interaction, quoting processes, production scheduling, budget tracking, and KPI management.
• Strong understanding of aerospace documentation and traceability requirements.
• Experience with ERP/MRP systems.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and reporting tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Operations Management, or related field.
• Lean Manufacturing / Six Sigma experience.
• Experience managing audits (FAA, customer, registrar).
• Prior supervisory or management experience in aerospace.

Located in Chatsworth, CA, a vibrant community known for its scenic beauty and close proximity to Los Angeles, this role offers an opportunity to thrive in a dynamic aerospace manufacturing environment.