Operations Manager

Operations Manager

As a global manufacturer of complex aircraft engine components, Pursuit Aerospace is founded on a commitment to relentless, continuous, operational improvement and extraordinary customer service. We pride ourselves on competitive cost structure, exceptional on-time delivery, and industry-leading quality.

The Pursuit family of companies has cultivated long-term relationships with our customers around the world through respect, teamwork, technology, and trust. We are driven to develop industry leading process innovations and manufacturing techniques on behalf of our customers. Our exceptional quality is driven by a deep investment in and the daily practice of continually improving our people, processes, and products.

We are seeking an Operations Manager for our Cleveland facility. With approximately 115 employees and $72 million in annual revenue, Cleveland plays a critical role in delivering high-quality closed-die forgings that meet the rigorous standards of the aerospace industry, supporting the performance, safety, and reliability of critical aerospace applications.

This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of manufacturing and technical operations, including production, engineering, maintenance, and continuous improvement. The Operations Manager drives daily performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost, while building organizational capability and ensuring operational excellence.

At Pursuit Aerospace, we are looking for an operations leader who thrives in a dynamic, technically sophisticated, and team-oriented environment, someone who can balance day-to-day execution with strategic thinking and long-term improvement.

Location: This is a full-time role that may require some extended hours and weekends, as needed.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic direction and leadership for all manufacturing operations to achieve business objectives related to safety, quality, cost, and delivery.
• Develops, implements, and monitors operational strategies to ensure alignment with company vision, customer requirements, and growth plans.
• Ensures optimal utilization of people, equipment, and materials to meet production schedules and delivery commitments.
• Establishes and maintains Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and production control processes; monitors performance and drives corrective actions to achieve operational targets.
• Leads a culture of continuous improvement, leveraging Kaizen methodologies to enhance throughput, reduce waste, and improve efficiency.
• Tracks and reports key performance indicators (KPIs) including efficiency, downtime, scrap, and productivity; implements data-driven solutions to improve performance.
• Champions quality and compliance, ensuring all operations adhere to AS9100, OSHA, and relevant regulatory standards.
• Partners with cross-functional teams (Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain) to resolve complex manufacturing issues, support new product introductions, and optimize process capability.
• Drives cost reduction and productivity initiatives to enhance profitability and competitiveness.
• Develops leadership talent within the manufacturing organization by coaching, mentoring, and providing professional development opportunities to Supervisors, Engineers, and Team Leads.
• Promotes a positive employee relations environment through communication, engagement, and accountability.
• Ensures proactive facility and equipment maintenance to support continuous operations and minimize downtime.

Required Qualifications

Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, technical field AND 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment OR in lieu of degree, 15 years of experience in a complex, precision-driven manufacturing environment 5+ years of progressive experience in a leadership role, with direct reports Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time bases without sponsorship now or in the future. The Company cannot offer employment to visa holders who require employer sponsorship in the future or cannot work now on a full-time basis. Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success managing small-to-mid-scale, but complex aerospace manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of aerospace manufacturing forging preferred.
• Experience leading Kaizen events and implementing Lean manufacturing tools (5S, standard work, value stream mapping, TPM).
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Proven record of leading teams, developing talent, and driving measurable improvements in performance.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); ability to analyze data and develop clear, leadership-ready insights.

Working Conditions

• Requires mobility in a manufacturing plant environment while using Personal Protective Equipment.
• Must be able to frequently sit, stand and walk.
• Must be able to climb ladder, work on platforms, and climb stairs
• Personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses and safety shoes) is required on the shop floor
• Occasional weekend and evening work may be required to accommodate priorities, deadlines, and schedules.

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor.

Pursuit Aerospace also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements, among other things.

Pursuit Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.