Operations Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

We are seeking an experienced and results-driven Operations Manager to lead manufacturing operations at a large aerospace and defense components manufacturing plant in Nogales, Sonora with 800+ employees . The facility produces high-reliability connectors and interconnect solutions in a low-volume / high-mix manufacturing environment supporting demanding aerospace and defense customers.

The Operations Manager will be responsible for overseeing production, manufacturing engineering coordination, planning, and operational performance , ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations while meeting stringent quality, delivery, and cost objectives required by aerospace and defense standards. This role requires a strong operational leader with experience managing complex manufacturing environments, high product variation, and strict regulatory and quality requirements .

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Manufacturing Operations Leadership

• Lead daily manufacturing operations across multiple production areas to ensure on-time delivery, productivity, and operational efficiency .
• Manage production teams, supervisors, and support staff within an 800+ employee manufacturing organization .
• Ensure effective execution of production plans in a low-volume / high-mix environment with frequent product changeovers.
• Drive accountability for operational performance including Safety, Quality, Delivery, Cost, and Inventory (SQDCI) metrics.

Production Planning & Execution

• Collaborate closely with production planning, supply chain, and engineering to ensure capacity alignment and realistic production schedules.
• Optimize manufacturing flow, labor utilization, and equipment effectiveness to meet customer demand.
• Support new product introductions (NPI) and engineering changes while maintaining production continuity.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and Operational Excellence initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance throughput.
• Implement structured problem-solving methodologies (A3, Root Cause Analysis, 8D).
• Identify and drive initiatives to improve OEE, cycle time, scrap reduction, and labor productivity .

Quality & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with aerospace and defense quality standards , including AS9100 and customer-specific requirements.
• Work closely with Quality and Engineering teams to maintain high reliability standards expected for aerospace connectors.
• Support internal and external audits and drive corrective actions when necessary.

Safety & Workforce Leadership

• Promote a strong safety-first culture across all operations and ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations.
• Lead, develop, and mentor a large operations team including supervisors and production leaders.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Supply Chain, Engineering, Quality, Maintenance, and Finance to achieve plant-level performance targets.
• Support capacity planning, capital investments, and operational strategy initiatives.
• Contribute to plant P&L performance through cost management and operational efficiencies.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, Industrial Engineering, or related field .
• 10+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience , preferably within aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing .
• 5+ years of leadership experience managing large manufacturing teams in complex environments.
• Experience operating in low-volume / high-mix production environments .
• Strong understanding of Lean Manufacturing, Continuous Improvement, and operational performance systems .
• Experience working within regulated quality environments such as AS9100, ISO 9001, or similar .
• Proven ability to drive improvements in productivity, delivery performance, and operational efficiency .
• Bilingual English and Spanish strongly preferred.

Key Competencies

• Strong operational leadership and team development
• Lean manufacturing and continuous improvement mindset
• Data-driven decision making
• Cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic execution with hands‑on operational management
• Ability to manage complexity in high-mix manufacturing environments
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Experience

• Aerospace connectors, cable assemblies, or precision electromechanical products
• Experience supporting aerospace OEMs and defense customers
• Experience managing operations in large maquiladora manufacturing environments
• Six Sigma certification or Lean Manufacturing training