Senior Director of Operations

Founded in 1918, Kearfott Corporation, a global Aerospace and Defense supplier for over 100 years, is a leader in the design and manufacture of precision motion control products and inertial navigation components. Kearfott has a very long history of innovation and excellence and is the go-to brand for many of our global clients. Kearfott is trusted, respected and plays a vital role in the success of America’s aerospace and defense industries. With over a century of expertise & experience, Kearfott is dedicated to providing quality, reliability, and cutting-edge technology to customers worldwide to meet their sea, land, air, and space navigation and guidance requirements. Kearfott offers a comprehensive benefits package including a 401K, and Tuition Reimbursement. We offer a 9/80 schedule with every other Friday off. We are looking for talented individuals who want to be part of a world-class work force. Join Kearfott and become part of a company that is recognized for technical expertise and respected world-wide as a ‘full service’ provider. For more information, visit our website at Sr. Director of Operations, Black Mountain, NC The Sr. Director of Operations is responsible for leading multiple operational sites. The Sr. Director is responsible for leading all manufacturing functions for all of Kearfott Corporation, Motion Systems Division (MSD) operational sites (Asheville NC, Brownsville TX, and Matamoros Mexico). This includes Machine Shop Production, Lower Assembly and Winding, Final Assembly and Test, Maintenance, and Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). The Sr. Director of Operations is required to be a leader/mentor who leverages their knowledge/experience to develop an operations department that is prepared for double digit growth. The Sr. Director of Operations must also be a Lean Manufacturing change agent to drive lean throughout the organization. Essential Functions Management of Operations team across multiple sites to meet key customer and business performance metrics. Setting and achieving goals and metrics for areas of responsibility in support of overall MSD business goals. Providing leadership to ensure on time delivery that meet customer requirements and expectations for quality and performance. As a member of the Division Leadership Team, ensure continuity across functional areas, support divisional initiatives, and provide regular information and guidance regarding shipments, plant efficiency, and improvements. Lead the organization in the development of manufacturing standards, methods, metrics, and processes to continuously improve quality and delivery. Support and contribute to Root Cause/Corrective action initiatives, the Six Sigma Council, Green and Yellow Belt programs, Lean, and other manufacturing programs. Provide leadership and coaching to all Operations associates to ensure understanding and attainment of performance objectives. Lead, analyze, design, and improve processes by enlisting and influencing teams focused on reducing waste, inventory, and lead times. Foster a continuous improvement lean manufacturing culture assuring buy-in and ownership at all levels of the organization. Identify and implement best practices across the site. Ensure compliance with company policies and procedures, especially those pertaining to safety. Must take an active role in safety awareness and accident prevention. Lead talent management process for operations – develop a plan to cross-train technicians for multiple processes. Critical Competencies Strong understanding of operations functions – Production Flow, Assembly and Test, Machining, and Shop Floor Scheduling. Strong leadership skills. Ability to think on your feet and make quick decisions throughout the day. Ability to prioritize work and communicate the priorities clearly. Strong organizational and communication skills. In-depth knowledge of how Enterprise Requirement Planning (ERP) and/or Manufacturing Requirements Planning (MRP) function and be able to create efficient process that leverage these systems. Sense of urgency to meet customer quality and delivery requirements. Aerospace and Defense manufacturing experience. Ability to attract and retain talent. Requirements Minimum Bachelor’s degree in associated discipline, advanced degree preferred. Minimum 12+ years experience in a manufacturing environment, preferably military/aerospace, or commercial aircraft. Consistent history of increased responsibility and achievement in production or manufacturing. Demonstrated ability to lead and develop direct reports. Excellent communication and organizational skills with the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of the organization. Proven ability to work as a collaborative member of a site leadership team both in the development of strategies that benefit the business and in the deployment of tactics that align and engage the organization. Machine Shop/precision assembly experience is strongly preferred. Must be a US Citizen and have the ability to obtain and maintain a US Government Security Clearance. Equal Opportunity Employer/including Disabled/Veterans #J-18808-Ljbffr