Head of Operations & Business Management

Job DescriptionAlbany Engineered Composites (AEC) designs, develops, and manufactures advanced composite components in order to help our customers push the frontiers of innovation. Our core strength is our ability to produce highly tailored, complex composite components. With our unique blend of products - including 3D woven structures, traditional and non-traditional 2D composite structures, and discrete through thickness reinforcement technologies, to name a few - AEC is able to produce composite components and products which meet performance and cost specifications often beyond the reach of metallic or conventional laminated composites.Job PurposeThe Operations Manager oversees all aspects of production planning, manufacturing operations, and product shipment to ensure a safe, efficient, and customer‑focused environment. This role drives operational excellence and continuous improvement across assigned production areas or value streams. The Operations Manager leads and develops employees, ensures high performance through lean practices, and achieves KPI goals.Ensure compliance with all company safety programs, OSHA requirements, audits, hazard identification, and safe work practices. Execute production plans, ensuring timely delivery of products to customers. Manage labor, equipment, material resources, and staffing levels for efficient operations.Oversee staffing, hiring, performance management, and succession planning in accordance with HR policies.Promote high employee engagement, cross‑training, capability building, and elimination of single‑point failures.Continuous Improvement & Lean ImplementationImplement and drive lean manufacturing methods including 5S, visual management, value stream mapping, and root cause analysis. Identify and implement process improvements in partnership with Engineering, CI, Quality, and Program Management.Customer Focus & Cross‑Functional CollaborationEnsure all customer requirements are met through effective planning and execution.Interface with customers as needed to support program or production objectives.Collaborate closely with Engineering, Planning, Quality, Program Management, Customer Operations, HR, and other support functions.Financial & Performance ManagementAchieve business plan performance and production budget targets.Maintain accurate ERP/SAP transactions, time charging, and labor usage.Monitor KPIs and lead regular tier meetings focused on SQDCT performance.Collaboration and On-Site PresenceFrequent ad hoc meetings to troubleshoot and identify solutions On-demand availability to strategize with cross-functional teamsJob RequirementsQualificationsMEducation & ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Industrial Management, or related field preferred; 5+ years of relevant manufacturing or operations management experience; Lean or Six Sigma training preferred; Skills & AbilitiesStrong leadership, communication, and coaching skills.Proficient in Microsoft Office and ERP systems.Highly organized with ability to prioritize, make decisions, and manage multiple tasks.Strong customer focus and collaborative work style.Must be available for extended hours or modified schedules based on business needs.May require occasional travel. Physical RequirementsStanding and walking up to approximately 75% of workdaySitting, bending, twisting, leaning up to approximately 25% of workdayReaching and overhead reaching for parts, materials, tools and equipment Gripping, grasping, pinching and manipulating of parts and tools frequentlyVisual inspection of materials and part variations frequently or as requiredDifferentiate materials, components, marking or variations as requiredOccasional lifting of materials up to 35 lbsMay be required to pass an eye exam.Employment RequirementsFor AEC Department of Defense facilities, it is a requirement to hire U.For commercial facilities, non-US persons may be eligible.This position is open to all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or other protected status.