Managing Director

Career Opportunities International; New Jersey; On-site; USD 130,000 - 250,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the U.S. seeks a Managing Director to oversee operations in aerospace and defense. This role involves strategic leadership, P&L management, and driving growth initiatives. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in operations and project management, with a strong focus on operational excellence and team leadership.

Qualifications

• 5 years as Managing Director or similar in a mid-size company.
• 15 years in operations, 10+ years in a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the local strategic roadmap.
• Manage a team of direct reports and lead organizational change initiatives.
• Own full P&L responsibility.

Skills

Adaptable

Creative Decision Maker

Relationship Builder

Organized

Clear Communicator

Education

MPS Human Resources Management from Georgetown University

Tools

SAP

Job description

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Company Overview

Our client is the U.S. branch of a highly successful, innovative, and sustainability award–winning European-based global technology group, offering thousands of products across diverse markets worldwide. This specialized manufacturing site supports high-reliability industries such as aerospace, defense, and test and measurement. Operating in a high-mix, low-volume environment, the facility emphasizes precision, quality, and documentation. With strong cross-functional collaboration and nearly full production capacity, it plays a critical role in delivering tailored solutions for mission-critical applications. Please note that this position is highly confidential; more information, including the company name, location, and products, will be shared with qualified candidates during the early interview process.

Title: Managing Director

Location: New Jersey (North-Central Area)

Reports to: Vice President of Operations

The Position

This role offers the selected candidate full management responsibility and a certain level of autonomy, with respect to established company policies and procedures. It includes global communication and collaboration, direct leadership of cross-functional teams, and the opportunity to further grow and develop a high-performance and profitable organization. The Managing Director will lead in two primary markets: 1) test and measurement and 2) aerospace and defense, with a focus on operational excellence, commercial success, and strategic alignment. We are seeking a seasoned operations and business leader with experience in P&L ownership, project management, and M&A integration. If you or someone in your network are interested, please review the Duties, Responsibilities, and Qualifications to learn more.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Define and execute the local strategic roadmap in alignment with global corporate objectives
• Engage in global communication and influence, while holding full decision-making authority and accountability at the local level
• Manage a team of direct reports, dotted line employees, and full-time employees with hiring responsibilities
• Lead organizational change initiatives to support growth, continuous improvement, and alignment with evolving global business strategies
• Identify growth opportunities in core markets (aerospace, defense, test & measurement) and lead initiatives to capture market share
• Own full P&L responsibility, ensuring profitable growth, cost control, and financial performance in alignment with strategic goals
• Exercise local authority to review and sign off on legal and contractual obligations, balancing business needs with risk mitigation
• Ensure smooth day-to-day operations across manufacturing, supply chain, and quality control
• Maintain production schedules and capacity utilization to meet customer demands and financial targets
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on accountability, safety, and customer satisfaction
• Serve as a visible, hands-on leader for the site, promoting retention, development, and succession planning
• Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and strategic partners to ensure supply continuity and quality

Qualifications

• Years of Experience: 5 years as Managing Director or similar in a mid-size company, 15 years in operations, 10+ years in a supervisory role, and 8 years of general project management experience
• Work Authorization: Must be fully authorized to work in the United States with a valid Real ID, US passport, and able to meet ITAR qualifications
• Languages: English fluency is required, but Spanish and German are both advantages
• Who You Are: Adaptable, Creative Decision Maker, Trusted Partner, Relationship Builder, Driven, Accountable, Organized, Clear Communicator
• Motivating and connection-driven personality
• Localization: Basic working knowledge of local payroll, insurance, and social security practices, with the ability to make informed decisions in partnership with outsourced providers and legal counsel
• Existing Contacts: Extensive experience and meaningful industry relationships that support business development and growth
• Familiarity with SAP a plus
• Product Knowledge: Understanding of the technology required, understanding of the market a plus
• Improving Efficiency: Proven track record of identifying and implementing operational efficiencies across manufacturing, supply chain, or administrative functions
• International Work History: Global exposure required, preferably in Mexico, Europe, and Asia

Please note that decisions should come out to applicants within 24-72 hours, though this is not guaranteed and is based on volume of applications received. Thank you!

Seniority level

• Executive

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Management, Project Management, and Supply Chain
• Industries: Aviation and Aerospace Component Manufacturing, Defense and Space Manufacturing, and Space Research and Technology

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