Job Description

  Site Director – Aerospace Manufacturing
 

Position Summary

The Site Director is the senior operational leader responsible for the overall performance, strategy, and management of a designated aerospace manufacturing facility. This role oversees all site functions including production, engineering, supply chain, quality, maintenance, safety, and administrative operations.

The Site Director ensures the facility operates safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with aerospace industry regulations and quality standards, including AS9100 and applicable regulatory requirements. This leader is responsible for driving operational excellence, meeting customer delivery commitments, maintaining profitability targets, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

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
• Master’s degree (MBA or Engineering) preferred

Experience

• 10+ years of leadership experience in aerospace or precision manufacturing
• Minimum 5+ years managing manufacturing operations or multi-department teams
• 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 company sites