Aerospace Manufacturing Operations Leader (Lean)

Ducommun, Inc.; Appleton (WI); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Ducommun, Inc. in Appleton, WI is seeking an Operations Manager to lead production operations, engineering, planning and maintenance to meet budget and delivery targets.

You will drive lean initiatives, schedule shipments, and control inventory and costs while ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance. The role requires strong project management, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to mentor staff.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of manufacturing operations, scheduling, staffing, safety and maintenance.
• Familiarity with SPC, TQM, Lean Manufacturing, and ISO standards; Mil Specs for CAS facilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and direction for production operations, engineering, planning and maintenance to meet budget.
• Lead continuous improvement and lean initiatives to reduce cycle time.
• Create shipment forecasts and manage scheduling.
• Oversee inventory, costs, and on-time delivery.
• Promote accountability for product quality.
• Ensure safety/regulatory compliance (OSHA, EPA).
• Prepare annual departmental budgets and monitor performance.
• Track KPIs: on-time delivery, quality, safety, cycle time, overhead, productivity per employee.
• Generate weekly/monthly/quarterly management reports.
• Manage facility expansion and capital equipment installation.
• Develop and mentor direct reports; set priorities and allocate resources.
• Own plant layout for production areas.
• Participate in recruiting and personnel decisions.

Skills

Manufacturing operations

Scheduling

Staffing

Safety

Maintenance

Lean Manufacturing

ISO standards

Project management

Customer communication

Negotiation

Conflict management

MS Office

Effective communication

Detail oriented

Creative problem solving

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Electrical/Manufacturing Engineering, Business Administration or relevant discipline

Tools

MS Office

Job description

Ducommun, Inc. in Appleton, WI is seeking an Operations Manager to lead production operations, engineering, planning and maintenance to meet budget and delivery targets.

You will drive lean initiatives, schedule shipments, and control inventory and costs while ensuring product quality and regulatory compliance. The role requires strong project management, cross-functional leadership, and the ability to mentor staff.