Aerospace Operations Leader – Growth, Productivity & Strategy

Hytek Finishes Co.; Kent (WA); Hybrid; USD 170,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) matching

PTO 4 weeks

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Long-term incentive opportunities

Job summary

Hytek Finishes Co. is seeking a results-driven Vice President of Operations to lead a multi-site aerospace finishing operation from Kent, WA.

The role requires ownership of Production, Facilities Maintenance, Safety, Procurement, and labor relations, with a focus on improving on‑time delivery, throughput, and cost performance. The VP reports to the President, is onsite, and guides enterprise‑level initiatives within Hytek and TransDigm.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in manufacturing environments
• Demonstrated P&L management and cost-control capabilities
• Proven success in union negotiations and labor relations
• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred
• Ability to pass background verification and pre-employment drug screening

Responsibilities

• Lead production, facilities, procurement, safety, and labor relations with accountability for OTD, TAT, and cost savings
• Drive annual productivity targets of 4–6% through disciplined execution
• Own capital planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure improvements
• Act as executive partner to President and senior leaders to drive growth and strategic initiatives
• Ensure alignment with AS9100 and NADCAP audits and maintain quality system integrity

Skills

P&L management

Union negotiations

Strategic vision

Executive communication

Change management

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Six Sigma/Lean certification

Job description

Vice President of Operations - Aerospace Industry

VP of Operations

Job Overview
Reports to: President
Location: Kent, WA
Type: Exempt, Full-Time
Schedule: *100% Onsite: Monday – Friday

Position Overview

• The VP of Operations is a highly visible senior leader reporting to the President, with accountability for Production, Facilities Maintenance, Chemical Maintenance, Procurement, Safety, and labor relations. This role owns operational performance, productivity, capital priorities, customer service support, and team development while driving measurable improvement in OTD, TAT, quick-turn response, expedite performance, issue resolution, and annual cost savings. For the right leader, this is a meaningful growth opportunity within Hytek and the broader TransDigm organization.

Compensation & Growth Opportunity

• Base salary range of $170,000 - $205,000, based on experience and leadership background
• Performance-based annual bonus opportunity
• Long-term incentive opportunities may be available as part of the broader TransDigm organization

Rewards, Benefits & Development

• Financial Rewards: competitive base salary, annual incentive opportunity, potential long-term incentive participation, and 401(k) matching
• Work/Life Balance: 4 weeks of PTO to start, 10 paid holidays, parental leave, and paid community service time
• Health & Welfare: medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability coverage, mental health support, and long-term care options
• Growth Opportunity: this role offers visibility across Hytek and TransDigm, with opportunities to lead enterprise-level initiatives, develop future leaders, and pursue advancement within TransDigm companies in the U.S. and internationally

Strategic Impact & Scope

• Lead Production, Facilities Maintenance, Chemical Maintenance, Procurement, and Safety with clear ownership for OTD, TAT, quick turn, expedite, safety, and productivity goals
• Deliver annual productivity targets of 4% - 6% cost savings through disciplined execution, cost reduction, and process improvement
• Own capital planning and resource allocation to support capacity, efficiency, safety, infrastructure, and growth
• Own the union relationship and labor negotiations in partnership with HR and executive leadership

Core Executive Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Business Development

• Lead a multi-function operations organization with clear accountability for performance, priorities, and results
• Partner with the President, Finance, Sales, and senior leaders to drive growth, operational strategy, and new business support
• Model an owner’s mindset by challenging the status quo, making data-based decisions, and building scalable operating discipline

Operational Excellence & Innovation

• Own operational execution across production flow, turnaround time, quick-turn response, expedite performance, quality support, and safety
• Drive productivity, cost savings, and continuous improvement through disciplined metrics and accountability
• Use operational analysis and analytics to identify flow constraints, improve throughput, prioritize resources, and make tactical decisions that support daily execution and customer commitments
• Oversee CAPEX priorities and systems improvements
• Ensure operational issues impacting the Quality System are escalated, resolved, and sustained through effective corrective action
• Ensure operations adhere to and is prepared for audits pertaining to AS9100 and NADCAP
• Partner with Customer Service, Sales, and Quality to support customer needs by improving responsiveness, issue resolution, on-time delivery, and communication on critical orders

Labor Relations & Organizational Development

• Own the union relationship and lead labor negotiations, with HR partnership as needed
• Resolve labor issues with accountability, consistency, and business judgment
• Build leadership capability through coaching, succession planning, and development of senior managers
• Strengthen communication, teamwork, and a performance culture across operations
• Build a high performing team through performance management and recruitment of top talent

Executive Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Key author and presenter of monthly President's Letters and quarterly Business Unit Management (BUM) reports to TransDigm executive leadership
• Presenter for Annual Plan and Mid-Year Review sessions with TransDigm executive leadership
• Strategic partner to President and Sr. Leadership in driving business growth initiatives
• Champion of quality system integrity and productivity initiatives

The Ideal Candidate
Executive Competencies

• Entrepreneurial mindset with owner's perspective
• Strategic vision and execution excellence
• Change management expertise
• Advanced financial acumen
• Executive presence and communication mastery
• Crisis management and problem-solving prowess

Leadership Qualifications

• Distinguished track record of P&L management in manufacturing operations
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in complex manufacturing environments
• Proven success in union negotiations and labor relations management
• Demonstrated ability to drive organizational transformation and cultural change
• Bachelor's degree required; Advanced degree preferred
• Six Sigma/Lean certification valued

Security Requirements

• Required to pass background verification and pre-employment drug screening
• Must be able authorized to work in the U.S. and an export license is required for all non-US Persons. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor visa applicants

Essential Mental/Physical Demands
Ability to sit in an office environment for long periods. Extensive use of hands in writing, computer, and other office equipment. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 lbs. on an occasional basis. Occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts, fumes, or airborne particles, and toxic or caustic chemicals. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Application Process
Please apply at www.hytekfinishes.com/careers with an up-to-date resume and your current contact information. If you are a qualified candidate, we will set you up with a phone call with a recruiter to learn more about your experience and to tell you more about the job, compensation, and benefits. The recruiter will reach out should we move forward with the next steps.

Hytek Finishes - The largest independent supplier of specialized aerospace metal finishing, non-destructive testing, plating, anodizing and organic coating services in the Pacific Northwest. Our employees provide specialized surface treatments, chemical finishing and non-destructive testing to the aerospace and defense industries.

Hytek Finishes is an equal opportunity employer. It is Hytek’s policy to make all employment decisions without regard to an individual’s sex, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breast feeding, and related conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, race (including traits historically associated with race, including hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks and twists), creed, religion (including religious dress and grooming), color, national origin, ancestry (including association, affiliation, or participation with persons or activities related to national origin,English-proficiency or accent or immigration status), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital or domestic partner status, age, veteran or military status, and any other categories protected by applicable state, local, or federal law. M/F/Disability/Protected Vet

Department: Production Administration-012980
This is a management position
This is a full time position

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* Can you show proof of your legal right to work in the United States? Yes No * Can you pass a mandatory drug test, including marijuana? Yes No * Can you pass a mandatory background check? Yes No * Are you at least 18 years of age? Yes No How did you hear about this position? Do you have previous experience in Surface Finishing? Yes No SMS Consent: I consent to receiving text messages regarding my application from Hytek Finishes. Msg&data rates may apply. Msg frequency varies. Text STOP to opt-out or HELP for assistance.
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