Director of Operations

Description

Director of Operations

Location: Fort Worth, TX 

Employment Type: Full-Time

Director of Operations

Position Summary

The Director of Operations is responsible for leading the day-to-day manufacturing operations of the company while driving continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and on-time delivery. This role provides leadership for production and operational support functions to ensure the organization meets customer expectations, quality standards, and financial objectives.

Working closely with executive leadership, the Director of Operations develops operational plans, improves manufacturing performance, and builds high-performing teams that support sustainable growth in a regulated aerospace manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Direct and oversee daily manufacturing operations to ensure safety, quality, productivity, and on-time delivery. 
• Lead production and operational support teams. 
• Develop operational priorities that align with company objectives and customer requirements. 
• Ensure effective utilization of personnel, equipment, and manufacturing resources. 

Production & Manufacturing Management

• Oversee production scheduling and workflow to meet customer commitments. 
• Monitor production capacity and implement strategies to improve throughput and efficiency. 
• Coordinate cross-functional activities to resolve production constraints. 
• Ensure manufacturing processes comply with customer specifications and quality requirements. 

Continuous Improvement

• Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives throughout the organization. 
• Identify opportunities to reduce waste, improve productivity, and lower operating costs. 
• Standardize processes and implement best practices to improve operational performance. 
• Drive measurable improvements in safety, quality, delivery, and efficiency. 

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop department managers, supervisors, and operational staff. 
• Establish clear performance expectations and promote accountability across all operational teams. 
• Support employee engagement, training, succession planning, and leadership development. 
• Foster a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and operational excellence. 

Financial & Resource Management

• Develop and manage departmental operating budgets. 
• Monitor labor utilization, operational expenses, and manufacturing costs. 
• Recommend capital equipment purchases and facility improvements to support business growth. 
• Optimize staffing levels and operational resources to meet production demands. 

Quality, Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with AS9100, customer requirements, and applicable regulatory standards. 
• Partner with Quality to support corrective actions, audits, and continuous quality improvement. 
• Promote a safe working environment and ensure compliance with OSHA and company safety policies. 
• Support initiatives that strengthen product quality and operational reliability. 

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Program Management, and Sales to support customer programs. 
• Provide operational input for new product introductions, process improvements, and production readiness. 
• Collaborate with executive leadership to execute operational priorities and business initiatives. 
• Support customer visits, audits, and operational reviews. 

Performance Management

• Establish and monitor operational Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). 
• Analyze operational data to identify trends and improvement opportunities. 
• Prepare and present regular operational performance reports to executive leadership. 
• Drive accountability for achieving departmental and company performance objectives. 

Requirements

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Finance, Manufacturing, or a related field; equivalent business experience may be considered. 
• 15+ years of progressive leadership experience, preferably within aerospace manufacturing, defense, electrical manufacturing, or a related industry. 
• Demonstrated experience leading or advising a privately held business or manufacturing organization. 
• Strong understanding of business strategy, financial performance, and organizational leadership. 
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain senior-level customer and business relationships. 
• Strong understanding of manufacturing operations and the challenges of a regulated aerospace environment. 
• Excellent communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and decision-making skills. 
• Demonstrated ability to provide sound counsel while allowing operational leaders to maintain accountability for execution. 

Preferred

• Experience as a CEO, President, owner, partner, or senior executive of a small or mid-sized manufacturing company. 
• Aerospace or defense manufacturing experience. 
• Knowledge of AS9100 and aerospace quality requirements. 
• Experience with government or defense customers. 
• MBA or advanced degree. 
• Experience with business acquisitions, ownership transitions, or strategic partnerships.