Production/Site Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Growing aerospace manufaturer is looking for a Production/Site Manager to manage the Santa Ana site.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide overall leadership and strategic direction for all site operations.
• Ensure safe, efficient, and cost-effective manufacturing performance.
• Develop and execute operational strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Oversee daily production operations to ensure on-time delivery, quality compliance, and cost control.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) including safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and financial performance.

Manufacturing & Production

• Direct manufacturing activities including machining, assembly, fabrication, and related aerospace processes.
• Ensure production schedules meet customer demand and contractual requirements.
• Optimize workflow, capacity planning, and resource allocation across departments.
• Implement lean manufacturing and continuous improvement initiatives.

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with aerospace quality standards such as AS9100 and customer-specific requirements.
• Maintain adherence to regulatory requirements including FAA, ITAR, and other applicable aerospace standards.
• Partner with Quality leadership to maintain audit readiness and corrective action systems.
• Promote a quality-first culture throughout the organization.

Financial & Business Performance

• Manage site-level P&L performance including revenue, cost control, and profitability.
• Develop annual operating plans, budgets, and capital investment strategies.
• Identify cost-reduction opportunities and operational efficiencies.
• Provide regular performance reporting to executive leadership.

Cross-Functional Leadership

• Collaborate with Engineering, Supply Chain, Sales, and Program Management teams to support new product introductions and customer programs.
• Work closely with Accounting and Finance teams on financial planning and reporting.
• Partner with Sales and Customer Relations to maintain strong customer relationships and support business development initiatives.

People Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and develop site leadership teams including Production Managers, Engineering Managers, Quality Leaders, and Supply Chain personnel.
• Build a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and operational excellence.
• Oversee workforce planning, staffing, and employee development initiatives.
• Promote a safe and positive workplace environment.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive Lean, Six Sigma, and other operational improvement initiatives.
• Identify process improvements that enhance productivity, reduce waste, and improve quality.
• Lead cross-functional improvement projects and operational transformation initiatives.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business Administration, or a related field required

Experience

• 5+ years of leadership experience in aerospace or precision manufacturing
• Experience managing AS9100 certified manufacturing environments
• Proven experience managing P&L and operational budgets
• Experience leading large cross-functional teams

Technical Knowledge

• Aerospace manufacturing processes (machining, fabrication, assembly)
• AS9100 / ISO quality systems
• FAA regulatory environments
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies
• ERP systems and production planning tools

Leadership Competencies

• Strategic thinking and operational execution
• Strong financial and business acumen
• Excellent leadership and team development skills
• Effective communication and stakeholder management
• Ability to drive change and operational transformation

Working Conditions

• Primarily onsite in a manufacturing environment
• Regular interaction with shop floor operations

Occasional travel may be required to support customers, suppliers, or other

KCG is a recruiting firm specializing in direct hire and contract roles within multiple industries and specialities.

Company Description

KCG is a recruiting firm specializing in direct hire and contract roles within multiple industries and specialities.