Deputy Managing Director

YER USA; Spartanburg (SC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturer in the aviation sector seeks an Intercultural Expert for a newly created Deputy Managing Director role. This position requires a hands-on leader with over 10 years of operational experience. Responsibilities include driving operational excellence, managing financial performance, and developing high-performing teams. Candidates with strong leadership skills in Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen methodologies are encouraged to apply. A Bachelor's degree is required as well as effective communication across all organizational levels.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of operational experience in industrial manufacturing.
• Proven track record of driving measurable improvements in quality and productivity.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and retain high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead operations focusing on key operational and financial KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement and operational excellence.
• Manage plant’s financial performance including profitability.

Skills

Operational leadership

Lean methodologies

Six Sigma

Kaizen

Team development

Data-driven decision making

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Job description

Intercultural Expert - Managerial & Executive Search

Company Overview

Our client is part of a global industrial group recognized as a leader in high-end manufacturing services and special processes for the Aviation, Space, and Energy sectors. With multiple facilities across the United States and Europe, the company delivers advanced manufacturing capabilities to major OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers.

Main Responsibilities

The Deputy Managing Director is a newly created role designed to support and succeed the current MD. He/she will assist in leading and coordinating daily operations with full accountability for the successful operations and growth of the Plant. The Deputy MD will be a key driver of operational excellence, continuous improvement, and long-term strategic development of the site.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the organization with rigor and integrity, focusing on key operational and financial KPIs and driving continuous improvement.
• Manage operations through data-driven decision making, utilizing existing KPI frameworks and implementing new ones as needed.
• Take responsibility for the plant’s financial performance, including profitability, cash flow, and capital expenditure targets.
• Ensure compliance with all company quality, safety, and HR management systems, in alignment with global and divisional guidelines.
• Identify necessary resources (people, capital, organization) for long-term success and develop corresponding business plans for executive review.
• Build and elevate a high-performance team, ensuring depth across all functions and fostering a strong performance culture.
• Collaborate with customer, commercial, and technical teams to deliver best‑in‑class service while safeguarding profitability and safety.
• Manage communication with key stakeholders, board members, and high-level leadership.

Candidate Profile & Requirements

You are a hands‑on leader with a minimum of ten years of operational experience in industrial manufacturing, ideally within the industry. You are well‑versed in Lean, Six Sigma, and Kaizen, and have a proven track record of driving measurable improvements in quality, productivity, and team performance.

You have improved processes and elevated team performance by bringing structure, clarity, and accountability to manufacturing environments. As an inspiring leader, you have developed, coached, and retained high‑performing teams.

You balance strategic leadership with the ability to dive into day‑to‑day operations when needed. You communicate effectively across all organizational levels and build strong cross‑functional relationships.

You handle high‑stakes communication with diplomacy and professionalism and consistently foster constructive dialogue, even in challenging situations.

You understand the financial levers of a plant and operate with a highly process‑oriented mindset. With strong analytical skills and solid business acumen, you translate data into actionable strategies that strengthen both operational performance and long‑term growth.

A Bachelor’s degree is a must.

Ambitious Plant or Operations Managers ready for career advancement will be considered for this role.

Seniority Level

Director

Employment Type

Full‑time

Job Function

• Management

Industries

Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing