Director of Operations / Site Leader

Director, Operations for ITT Aerospace Controls

The Director, Operations for ITT Aerospace Controls in Valencia, CA is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations with approximately 350 employees. This role ensures customer focused performance through operational excellence, safety, and quality while aligning site performance with company objectives. The Director of Operations has full P&L responsibility for the site and provides strategic direction, leads cross-functional teams, and drives continuous improvement initiatives to achieve financial, operational, and customer goals. This role reports to the Executive Director, Operations Control Technologies.

Aerospace Controls offers a diversified portfolio of products and services for global aerospace markets. We are leading the way in design, development & manufacture of harsh environment actuators, fluid control devices, noise abatement, conveyance and heaters for the Aerospace industry.

Essential Responsibilities

Overall expectations for the position: Ensure that objectives are attained in an effective manner that is consistent with quality requirements. Delegate authority to key managers and supervisors in safety, delivery, engineering, supply chain, quality, program management, sales and facilities. Lead all functional areas involved.

• Lead & develop a high performing team to meet or exceed business objectives. Model and drive Safety, Quality and Continuous improvement. Champion engagement, Culture, Respect and Customer centric mindset to all levels of the plant.
• Manage all production programs and operations to achieve on-time and within budget performance. This shall include implementation and driving continuous improvement programs.
• Ensure full compliance to 5S as well as creating a world class safety culture.
• Remain in compliance with production operations of aerospace quality certifications and standards (ISO-9001, AS9100, etc), as well as all health, safety and environmental regulations.
• Report to management and perform real-time tracking and performance to KPIs; including being proactive to execute corrective actions to correct any deficiencies as required.
• Champion the development and use of an approved ERP system.
• Control direct and indirect costs to achieve company budget goals.
• Develop and manage production operations department budgets.
• Lead the facilities department to ensure implementation of a comprehensive preventative maintenance program for all equipment.
• Have effective and frequent communication with other functional departments to ensure that all production goals and metrics are known and met.
• Perform other duties as required to successfully perform the mission.

Relevant Skills & Expertise, 7 + years in the following:

• Automation Engineering: Skilled in developing, implementing, and optimizing automated manufacturing and assembly systems to improve efficiency, consistency, and throughput.
• Assembly Automation Leadership: Experienced in driving assembly automation initiatives from concept to deployment, including equipment specification, design review, process validation, and continuous improvement.
• Project Management: Proven ability to lead automation projects, coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines, and ensure successful execution of deliverables.
• New Technology Integration: Strong background in researching, evaluating, and introducing new technologies to enhance production capabilities, streamline operations, and support strategic innovation.
• Process Optimization: Adept at analyzing existing workflows and identifying opportunities for automation, cost reduction, and productivity improvement.
• Technical Problem-Solving: Skilled in troubleshooting automated systems, identifying root causes, and implementing long-term solutions.
• Collaboration & Communication: Effective at partnering with engineering, operations, maintenance, and suppliers to drive alignment and support automation strategy.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Maintain real-time monitoring and be proactive in implementing course corrections as necessary to drive continuous improvement in all areas. Provide reports monthly to management about the results, and improvements made during the prior month. Strive toward 100% compliance with the following KPIs (safety, quality escapes, on-time delivery, first-time yield (FTY), scrap, production revenue monthly plan).

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in an Engineering discipline. Industrial Engineering or MBA is preferred.
• 10 - 15 years of progressive relevant leadership experience in aerospace, defense or complex manufacturing environments.

• Proven Lean Manufacturing and/or Six Sigma experience; green belt certification or higher is preferred.

Skills:

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Proven ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Proven ability to exhibit poise, composure, and confidence when confronting stressful or high-pressure situations.
• Proven Ability to motivate and influence employees to attain peak performance.
• Competent use of MS Office software.
• Proven ability to quickly ascertain a situation and be decisive in solving it (ie. identifying defects in the production line, etc.)
• Lead by example through honesty, integrity, and respect for others.
• Flexible work schedule and ability to work overtime as required to support and ensure the successful operations of a multi-shift production facility.

Safety is a core value at Valencia. Our department managers/supervisors play a critical role in creating and maintaining a safe workplace for our employees by following all safety policies and procedures and by observing employees to ensure that safety procedures are followed.

This position requires use of information which is subject to the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be U.S. persons within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a U.S. person as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e. 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.

Equal Pay Act Statement

We aim to pay our 'ITT'ers' fairly and competitively in the locations that they live and work. Pay-for-performance is a principle that we believe in, and employees are rewarded based not only on 'what' they accomplish, but also on 'how' they reflect ITT's values. ITT offers a competitive salary and robust total rewards package, such as health insurance, 401(k), short and long-term disability, paid time off, growth and developmental opportunities, and other incentive compensation programs. Specific benefits are dependent upon whether or not the position is part of a collective-bargaining agreement. The salary offered to a candidate is based several factors such as candidate experience and qualifications, location, as well as market and business considerations.

Equal Pay Act Range

min $166,000 - max $265,200