Operations Manager

Connexion; Lodi (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

100Hires, Inc. seeks an Operations Manager to lead aerospace and defense manufacturing operations in a high-mix, low-volume environment. The role emphasizes strategic planning balanced with hands-on leadership, cost control, and quality assurance.

You will work with senior leadership to improve efficiency, implement new technologies, and build a high-performing operation compliant with ITAR, EAR, EHS, and OSHA requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years of manufacturing/production management experience in a customized engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Aerospace and defense industry experience is required.
• Strong technical background with electro-mechanical manufacturing is highly desirable.
• ISO 9001 quality systems and manufacturing audits experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day manufacturing operations, including machining, painting, assembly, and customer service.
• Develop and execute production plans, schedules, budgets, and capital investment strategies.
• Analyze costs, production variances, and operational performance and implement corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, safety, efficiency, productivity, and throughput.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills

SAP super-user experience

High-mix, low-volume production

Continuous improvement

FMEA / 8D / fault-tree analysis

Production planning and budgeting

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Tools

SAP

Job description

Title: Operations Manager – Aerospace & Defense ManufacturingLead Operations. Drive Growth. Shape the Future of Advanced Manufacturing.MUST HAVE AEROSPACE AND MANUFACTURING to be considered\\Are you a hands-on manufacturing leader with a strong technical background and a passion for operational excellence?We are seeking an Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations for an established, technically sophisticated organization serving the aerospace and defense industry. This is a high-impact leadership opportunity for someone who thrives in a high-mix, low-volume manufacturing environment and can balance strategic planning with hands-on operational leadership.The ideal candidate is a proven manufacturing or production leader who understands how to improve processes, develop people, control costs, and deliver quality — while navigating the complexities of a highly regulated industry.SAP super-user experience is strongly preferred, and candidates with SAP implementation experience will be especially attractive.Why This Opportunity?This role offers the chance to make a visible impact across the entire manufacturing operation. You will work closely with senior leadership and cross-functional teams to improve efficiency, support growth, introduce new technologies, and build a high-performing operation.You will have significant influence over:Manufacturing strategy and operational performanceProduction planning, scheduling, and capacityProcess improvement and continuous improvementCapital investments and ROI analysisQuality, safety, and regulatory complianceTechnology and process transfersTeam development and organizational performanceNew product introduction, prototyping, and small-series productionWhat You'll DoLead day-to-day manufacturing operations, including machining, painting, assembly, and customer service.Develop and execute production plans, schedules, budgets, and capital investment strategies.Analyze costs, production variances, and operational performance and implement corrective actions.Identify opportunities to improve quality, safety, efficiency, productivity, and throughput.Establish and monitor operational KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.Partner with Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, and other functions to achieve business and revenue objectives.Lead product realization activities for prototypes and small-series production.Ensure compliance with ITAR, EAR, EHS, and OSHA requirements.Support technology and manufacturing-process transfers between U.S. and international facilities.Develop annual operating plans aligned with business growth, new programs, and increased production volumes.Build, coach, and develop a strong operations team.Foster a collaborative, accountable, and fast-paced manufacturing culture.Introduce and leverage new technologies and global manufacturing best practices.What We're Looking ForBachelor's degree or higher in Engineering or a related technical discipline.5+ years of manufacturing/production management experience in a customized engineering or manufacturing environment.Aerospace and defense industry experience is required.Strong technical background with experience in electro-mechanical manufacturing highly desirable.Experience managing high-mix, low-volume production.SAP experience strongly preferred, particularly hands-on SAP super-user experience. SAP implementation experience is a plus.Experience with ISO 9001 quality systems and manufacturing audits.Strong knowledge of continuous improvement, productivity enhancement, and process optimization.Practical experience with FMEA, failure analysis, fault-tree analysis, 8D, and related quality methodologies.Experience with production planning, budgeting, cost control, and capital expenditure management.Electrical engineering and customer-oriented component/subassembly design experience is a plus.Experience in a unionized manufacturing environment is preferred.Excellent communication, presentation, organizational, and interpersonal skills.The Ideal LeaderWe're looking for someone who is more than a manager — a builder and operator who can create alignment, solve problems, develop people, and turn operational goals into measurable results.You should be:Strategic but willing to get hands-on.Entrepreneurial, driven, and accountable.