Operations Manager

Connexion Systems and Engineering, Inc.; Lodi (NJ); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits package

Job summary

Connexion Systems & Engineering is seeking an Operations Manager to lead aerospace and defense manufacturing operations in Hackensack, NJ. The role blends strategic planning with hands-on leadership in a high-mix, low-volume environment.

The ideal candidate will drive process improvements, cost control, regulatory compliance, and talent development, while delivering quality and on-time production. SAP expertise is highly valued and strongly preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related technical discipline.
• 5+ years manufacturing/production management experience in a customized engineering/manufacturing environment.
• Aerospace and defense industry experience is required.
• SAP experience strongly preferred; SAP implementation experience a plus.
• Experience with ISO 9001 quality systems and audits.
• Experience with high-mix, low-volume production.

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; implement corrective actions.
• Identify opportunities to improve quality, safety, efficiency, productivity, and throughput.
• Establish and monitor operational KPIs and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Collaborate with Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, and other functions to hit business targets.
• 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 growth and programs.
• 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.

Skills

Leadership

Operational Excellence

Production Planning

SAP Super-user

ISO 9001

Cost Control

Continuous Improvement

Regulatory Compliance

Team Building

Project Management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering or related field

Tools

SAP ERP

Job description

Title: Operations Manager - Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Hiring Organization: Connexion Systems & Engineering

Compensation, Benefits, And Employment Type

• Duration: full-time, direct hire
• Pay rate: $100,000-$150,000 + benefits
• Job Location: Hackensack, NJ
• Work Model: 100% onsite
• Schedule: M-F, 1st shift
• Job#: bh19503

Lead Operations. Drive Growth. Shape the Future of Advanced Manufacturing.

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 performance
• Production planning, scheduling, and capacity
• Process improvement and continuous improvement
• Capital investments and ROI analysis
• Quality, safety, and regulatory compliance
• Technology and process transfers
• Team development and organizational performance
• New product introduction, prototyping, and small-series production

What You'll Do

• 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.
• 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 For

• Bachelor'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 Leader

We'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.
• A strong team builder and coach.
• Comfortable making decisions and driving change.
• Detail-oriented without losing sight of the bigger picture.
• Quality- and customer-focused.
• Skilled at building consensus across departments.
• Comfortable working within an international organization.
• A clear, confident communicator who can work effectively with employees at every level.

Compensation

$100,000-$150,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Connexion’s mission is to provide "best in class" services to job seekers. We strive to achieve excellence in job placement, staffing, and recruiting services, while treating candidates with the professionalism and respect they deserve.