Plant Operations Manager

Movement Search & Delivery is a national search firm working with a growing aerospace client in Bethel, CT poised to double in size over the next several years.

The Manufacturing Operations Manager will lead multi-department production operations within a high-specification metals manufacturing facility.

• Provide day-to-day leadership for deep-draw and finishing operations, ensuring production schedules, quality standards, and delivery commitments are consistently achieved. Directly manage departmental leads and hourly staff across assigned areas.
• Ensure effective daily management routines, including Tier 1 meetings, staffing alignment, and workload prioritization.
• Partner cross-functionally with Quality, Engineering, Maintenance, Supply Chain, and Planning to remove barriers and drive flow.
• Support capacity planning and resource alignment to meet customer demand.
• Enforce adherence to AS9100, ISO, ITAR, and customer-specific requirements.
• Participate in internal and external audits and support RCCA activities.
• Ensure proper documentation and procedural discipline across the shop floor.

• Drive disciplined process control & adherence to standard work & work instructions.
• Partner with Quality to address nonconformances, customer escapes, & corrective actions.
• Support implementation of quality clinics, error-proofing, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Monitor scrap, rework, and yield performance and drive improvement actions.
• Track, review, and drive key operational KPIs assigned by site leadership.
• Lead Lean manufacturing initiatives including 6S, daily management, and PDCA/root cause problem solving.
• Identify and execute opportunities for cost reduction, productivity improvement, and capacity optimization.
• Support Operational Excellence roadmap

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations, Manufacturing, or related field preferred.
• 5-7 years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience, preferably in aerospace, defense, or regulated environments.
• Strong knowledge of AS9100 and quality-driven manufacturing systems.
• Demonstrated experience leading lean manufacturing & continuous improvement initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead teams in a fast-paced, high-mix manufacturing environment.
• Experience in precision metal forming environments is a strong plus.

About Movement Search and Delivery

MOVEMENT is a national executive search firm that connects companies with exceptional talent across engineering, manufacturing, finance, supply chain, information technology, sales, legal, and human resources.

How to Apply

Apply through this posting and a member of the Movement Search and Delivery team will review your application. For more information on open jobs, visit www.movementsearch.com.