Director, Operations

Applied Composites; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Retirement matching

Tuition reimbursement

Job summary

Applied Composites is seeking a Director of Operations to drive manufacturing and operations excellence in a high-mix aerospace environment. You will lead Quality, Fabrication, Assembly, Facilities, Planning, and Logistics while partnering with HR, Finance, EH&S, and engineering teams to meet strategic goals.

The role focuses on continuous improvement, cost control, SIOP integration, and capital planning, with accountability for customer responsiveness and overall performance metrics across

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering or technical field.
• 10–15 years of aerospace manufacturing with increasing responsibilities and leadership.
• Strong cost control, supplier relations and customer-facing skills.

Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all Operations functions including Quality, Fabrication, Assembly, Facilities, Purchasing, Planning, Warehouse and Logistics.
• Collaborate with HR, Finance, EH&S, Customer Service/Contracts, Design Engineering, CI and R&D.
• Lead continuous improvement to reduce cost, improve cycle times and quality.
• Direct headcount, performance reviews, and bargaining unit relations.
• Translate strategy into Operations goals and KPIs and manage budget and capital.
• Develop global partners to improve costs and capabilities.

Skills

Aerospace ops

Epicor ERP

Lean leadership

Budgeting

Team management

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering or related field

Tools

ERP systems

Automated scheduling

Job description

The Director of Operations will be responsible for the manufacturing and operations processes to ensure sufficient quantities of quality products on time and on budget and obtain optimum productivity while reaching strategic goals. This position will be responsible for driving continual process and product improvement throughout the organization and ensuring product integrity. The Director of Operations is a member of the Senior Leadership team and is the key point of contact with customers regarding operational requirements.

Job Core Responsibilities

• Direct and manage all Operations functions including: Quality, Fabrication, Assembly, Facilities/Maintenance, Purchasing, Planning, Warehouse and Logistics.
  • Collaborate closely with support functions including: HR, Finance, EH&S, Customer Service/Contracts, Design Engineering, CI and R&D.
  • Provide advice and counsel on operational issues to President and Senior Staff.
  • Lead and execute continuous improvement to reduce cost, improve competiveness relative to cycle times and improve quality
  • Lead operations team and directs organizational development and training requirements for a high-performance work team
  • Control and improve operational costs both direct and indirect
  • Direct improvements for WIP inventory levels to drive competitive business position for future business
  • Lead the development of global partners to improve costs and/or business capabilities
  • Ensure Operations department procedures and employee behaviors are compliant with all governing federal, state, local and corporate regulations.
• Champion and support the continuous improvement process including Policy Deployment, Lean Transformation, Strategic Sourcing, TPS and Continuous Improvement Philosophy with hands-on involvement and reinforcement.
  • Drive and instill a culture that embraces quality and safety in everything we do.
  • Determine annual Operations Capital budget. Review each expenditure request for accuracy, relevance and ROI.
  • Establish and oversee SIOP process – assure effective integration between sales and operations for effective planning and execution.
• Manage the majority of company direct and indirect headcount resources to include hiring, firing, performance review and employee development to meet production output and gross margin goals.
  • Provide mentoring and training to subordinates.
  • Act as one of the primary points of contact with Bargaining Unit. Process and negotiate disputes and grievances. Responsible for setting the tone and maintaining a productive relationship with the Bargaining Unit.
• Translate and support manufacturing strategies. Maximize existing facility footprint using innovation/technology and by otherwise leveraging the enterprise.
  • Establish appropriate Operations goals within the context of the Applied Composites strategy and ensures attainment of these to support top level objectives.
  • Ensure that performance metrics are posted and displayed, assessments are conducted, and visual management systems are maintained.
  • Direct participation in Tier 1 customer initiatives, readiness assessments, and other partnership activities.
  • Maintains and applies a broad understanding of financial management principals related to cash flow and working capital to ensure decisions are fiscally sound and responsible

Job Specifications

Education Level: (Required): Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience

Field of Study/Area of Experience: Bachelor’s degree, preferably in engineering discipline, manufacturing or technical field

10-15 years of experience in an aerospace manufacturing environment with increasing levels of responsibilities including supervision and management experience.

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Experience in a high mix, high volume aerospace operation.
• Strong knowledge of manufacturing processes and disciplines
• Strong knowledge of/experience with manufacturing support functions such as Quality, Manufacturing Engineering, Facilities, Materials
• Strong business acumen and customer interaction experience
• Strong employee relations experience
• Strong mentoring and coaching skills
• Strong leadership skills - effective in motivating and directing a team for positive results.
• Strong knowledge of ERP (Epicor) and automated scheduling systems
• Strong organizational, communication, and presentation skills
• Demonstrated use of the latest technology to enhance the growth of an organization
• Strong attention to detail, good organizational skills, and the ability to prioritize with changing situations
• Able to handle multiple priorities and work well under pressure
• Possesses a positive professional image and a high level of ethical behavior in exercising consistent judgment, discretion, and confidentiality in all interactions and matters of significance
• Possesses excellent judgment, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills with the ability to identify and resolve complex issues in a timely manner.
• Possess superior organizational and time management skills with strong attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and negotiate and set priorities required
• Ability to work efficiently under conditions of multiple and/or completing projects/deadlines prioritizing/reprioritizing as needed to meet departmental and/or business commitments and objectives
• Possesses a high degree of personal accountability
• Ability to travel to all Applied Composites locations and/or client locations as needed

Disclaimer - The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Benefits

At Applied Composites, we recognize how important your career and benefits are to you and your family. We offer a full suite of benefits including medical, dental, vision, short and long-term disability coverage, accident insurance, critical illness insurance, basic and supplemental life insurance, employee assistance plan, retirement savings and matching, tuition reimbursement and other developmental opportunities. We are committed to supporting the way you live and work.

AC is an Equal Opportunity Employer Veterans/Disabled - Aff

This position requires the use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.