Plant Manager

Job Description

Job Description

PURPOSE

We are seeking an experienced Plant Manager to lead operations for a military/aerospace production facility within a matrix organization. This role oversees all plant functions—production, quality, engineering, supply chain, and EHS—while driving a culture of safety, compliance, and continuous improvement. The Plant Manager ensures efficient, high‐quality, and fully compliant manufacturing that meets ISO90001, ITAR, and customer requirements. The ideal candidate brings strong Lean/CI expertise, experience in regulated aerospace or defense environments, and a proven record of improving operational performance.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead all plant operations including production, quality, engineering, supply chain, maintenance, and EHS.
• Translate organizational objectives and contract requirements into operational plans and measurable KPIs.
• Collaborate effectively within a matrix environment, partnering with corporate functions (Quality, HR, Engineering, Program Management, Supply Chain, Finance).
• Serve as the primary site leader and customer-facing representative for major military and aerospace clients.

Operational Excellence & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with ISO 9001, ITAR, DFARS, and other applicable military/aerospace standards.
• Maintain strong configuration control, documentation discipline, and traceability throughout production.
• Oversee capacity planning, production scheduling, equipment utilization, and asset investment.
• Drive robust risk management and root‐cause corrective action (RCCA) processes.

Lean & Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean Manufacturing, visual management, standard work, value‐stream mapping, and kaizen activity.
• Embed continuous improvement behaviors into daily processes and cross‐functional collaboration.
• Use structured problem‐solving tools (A3, 8D, DMAIC) to improve throughput, cost, and delivery performance.
• Lead productivity, waste reduction, and process reliability initiatives.

People Leadership & Development

• Build and develop high‐performing teams of managers, supervisors, and technical professionals.
• Promote a culture of accountability, open communication, safety, and continuous learning.
• Strengthen the site’s talent pipeline through coaching, succession planning, and employee engagement.

Quality, Safety, and Customer Relations

• Ensure world‐class product quality, adherence to drawing/specification requirements, and successful audit performance.
• Maintain a proactive safety culture that meets or exceeds OSHA and internal risk-reduction standards.
• Support customer audits, program reviews, and new product introduction (NPI) activities.

Financial & Business Management

• Own performance for the site, cost control, and financial reporting.
• Drive operational efficiency, margin improvement, and cost‐reduction projects without compromising compliance or product integrity.
• Align resources and investments with long‐term business growth and program requirements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Minimum 10 years of experience in manufacturing/operations leadership, with at least 5 in military, aerospace, or other highly regulated industries.
• Demonstrated success in a matrix organization with significant cross‐functional coordination.
• Strong working knowledge of ISO90001, ITAR, FAR/DFARS, export controls, and military/aerospace product lifecycle requirements.
• Proven Lean/Continuous Improvement expertise; Lean or Six Sigma certification preferred.
• Experience leading RCCA processes (8D, A3, fishbone, 5‐Whys).
• Solid understanding of production planning, program management, and contract/manufacturing interfaces.
• Financial acumen with P&L responsibility.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and customer‐facing skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, or related field; advanced degree strongly preferred.

Additional Details

• Must be able to pass a thorough background check including a drug screen.
• Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/Vet/Disabled/VEVRAA Federal Contractor.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and be able to review and access ITAR, CUI, NNPI and similar regulations and material.
• E-Verify Employer.