Position summary
we are seeking an experienced and results-driven operations manager to lead manufacturing operations at a large aerospace and defense components manufacturing plant in nogales, sonora with 800+ employees. The facility produces high-reliability connectors and interconnect solutions in a low-volume / high-mix manufacturing environment supporting demanding aerospace and defense customers.
the operations manager will be responsible for overseeing production, manufacturing engineering coordination, planning, and operational performance, ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations while meeting stringent quality, delivery, and cost objectives required by aerospace and defense standards. This role requires a strong operational leader with experience managing complex manufacturing environments, high product variation, and strict regulatory and quality requirements.
key responsibilities manufacturing operations leadership
* lead daily manufacturing operations across multiple production areas to ensure on-time delivery, productivity, and operational efficiency.
* manage production teams, supervisors, and support staff within an 800+ employee manufacturing organization.
* ensure effective execution of production plans in a low-volume / high-mix environment with frequent product changeovers.
* drive accountability for operational performance including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory (sqdci) metrics.
production planning & execution
* collaborate closely with production planning, supply chain, and engineering to ensure capacity alignment and realistic production schedules.
* optimize manufacturing flow, labor utilization, and equipment effectiveness to meet customer demand.
* support new product introductions (npi) and engineering changes while maintaining production continuity.
continuous improvement
* lead lean manufacturing, six sigma, and operational excellence initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance throughput.
* implement structured problem-solving methodologies (a3, root cause analysis, 8d).
* identify and drive initiatives to improve oee, cycle time, scrap reduction, and labor productivity.
quality & compliance
* ensure compliance with aerospace and defense quality standards, including as9100 and customer-specific requirements.
* work closely with quality and engineering teams to maintain high reliability standards expected for aerospace connectors.
* support internal and external audits and drive corrective actions when necessary.
safety & workforce leadership
* promote a strong safety-first culture across all operations and ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations.
* lead, develop, and mentor a large operations team including supervisors and production leaders.
* foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
cross-functional collaboration
* partner with supply chain, engineering, quality, maintenance, and finance to achieve plant-level performance targets.
* support capacity planning, capital investments, and operational strategy initiatives.
* contribute to plant p&l performance through cost management and operational efficiencies.
qualifications
* bachelor's degree in engineering, operations management, industrial engineering, or related field.
* 10+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience, preferably within aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing.
* 5+ years of leadership experience managing large manufacturing teams in complex environments.
* experience operating in low-volume / high-mix production environments.
* strong understanding of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational performance systems.
* experience working within regulated quality environments such as as9100, iso 9001, or similar.
* proven ability to drive improvements in productivity, delivery performance, and operational efficiency.
* bilingual english and spanish strongly preferred.
key competencies
* strong operational leadership and team development
* lean manufacturing and continuous improvement mindset
* data-driven decision making
* cross-functional collaboration
* strategic execution with hands‐on operational management
* ability to manage complexity in high-mix manufacturing environments
* strong communication and stakeholder management skills
preferred experience
* aerospace connectors, cable assemblies, or precision electromechanical products
* experience supporting aerospace oems and defense customers
* experience managing operations in large maquiladora manufacturing environments
* six sigma certification or lean manufacturing training
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