Director – Plant Operations

Job Title: Director – Plant Operations

Location: Wichita, Kansas

Job Type: Onsite, Full-Time

About the Job:

We are seeking an experienced Director of Plant Operations to lead machining and assembly operations within a manufacturing environment. This leadership role is responsible for driving operational excellence, optimizing production efficiency, developing high-performing teams, and ensuring manufacturing capabilities align with strategic business objectives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in manufacturing operations, continuous improvement initiatives, and leading cross-functional teams in a regulated production environment.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead and oversee all machining and assembly operations to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality production.

Direct, mentor, and develop operations managers and production leadership teams.

Plan and coordinate production schedules, staffing, and resource allocation to meet business objectives.

Monitor operational performance and ensure successful execution of production programs and new business initiatives.

Establish and maintain manufacturing capabilities that support long-term organizational growth.

Drive operational performance across Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety, and Employee Engagement (QCDSE).

Champion Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, and continuous improvement initiatives to eliminate waste and improve productivity.

Lead root cause analysis and corrective action programs to resolve operational issues and improve processes.

Provide manufacturing leadership and support for Integrated Product Teams (IPTs).

Review and approve manufacturing plans, statements of work, and resource requirements.

Support budgeting, capital planning, and operational forecasting activities.

Evaluate and implement new manufacturing technologies and production processes.

Ensure compliance with quality management systems, regulatory standards, and customer requirements.

Promote Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) programs and OSHA compliance throughout the facility.

Oversee facility planning, equipment utilization, and preventive maintenance programs.

Collaborate with cross-functional departments including Engineering, Quality, Supply Chain, and Program Management.

Conduct performance evaluations, employee development, coaching, and corrective actions when necessary.

Travel occasionally as required to support business operations.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or equivalent industry experience.

Significant leadership experience in manufacturing, plant operations, or production management.

Proven experience leading machining, assembly, or complex manufacturing operations.

Strong knowledge of Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Continuous Improvement, and Operational Excellence methodologies.

Experience managing production performance metrics including Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety, and Productivity.

Experience with ERP systems (Syteline, Vantage, or similar ERP platforms preferred).

Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite.

Demonstrated ability to lead large teams, develop managers, and drive organizational performance.

Excellent problem-solving, decision-making, and root cause analysis skills.

Strong communication, leadership, and interpersonal skills.

Ability to prioritize multiple projects and meet aggressive production deadlines.

Experience working within highly regulated manufacturing environments is preferred.

Preferred Skills:

Aerospace or precision manufacturing experience.

Experience implementing Lean transformation initiatives.

Knowledge of AS9100 or other quality management systems.

Experience with facility planning, preventive maintenance, and manufacturing technology implementation.

Strong strategic planning and operational leadership capabilities.

Core Competencies:

Manufacturing Operations Leadership

Plant Management

Production Management

Machining Operations

Assembly Operations

Operational Excellence

Lean Manufacturing

Six Sigma

Continuous Improvement

Root Cause Analysis

Quality Management

Safety & OSHA Compliance

EHS Programs

Budget Management

ERP Systems

Team Leadership

Performance Management

Process Improvement

Strategic Planning

Cross-Functional Collaboration