Operations Manager

About Us:  

As a global manufacturer of complex aircraft engine components, Pursuit Aerospace is founded on a commitment to relentless, continuous, operational improvement and extraordinary customer service. We pride ourselves on competitive cost structure, exceptional on-time delivery, and industry-leading quality.  

The Pursuit family of companies has cultivated long-term relationships with our customers around the world through respect, teamwork, technology, and trust. We are driven to develop industry leading process innovations and manufacturing techniques on behalf of our customers. Our exceptional quality is driven by a deep investment in and the daily practice of continually improving our people, processes, and products. 

About the Opportunity: 

We are seeking an Operations Manager for our Thomasville, Georgia facility—a key site within Pursuit Aerospace’s network specializing in airfoils, fan blades, and round parts for commercial and military jet engines. With approximately 130 employees and $50 million in annual revenue, Thomasville plays a critical role in delivering precision-machined components that meet the highest standards of aerospace performance and reliability.

This is a hands-on, high-impact leadership role responsible for overseeing all aspects of production. The Operations Manager drives daily performance in safety, quality, delivery, and cost, while building organizational capability and ensuring operational excellence.

At Pursuit Aerospace, we are looking for an operations leader who thrives in a dynamic, technically sophisticated, and team-oriented environment, someone who can balance day-to-day execution with strategic thinking and long-term improvement.

Location: Thomasville, GA

This is a full-time role that may require some extended hours and weekends, as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and direction for all production and technical operations to achieve business objectives for safety, quality, delivery, and cost.
• Develop and implement manufacturing strategies that align with site and company goals for growth, performance, and customer satisfaction.
• Manage daily production operations, ensuring efficient use of resources and achievement of delivery schedules.
• Drive a Kaizen-based culture of continuous improvement focused on throughput, yield, and waste reduction.
• Partner with Engineering, Quality, and Supply Chain to resolve complex production issues, support new product introductions, and optimize manufacturing processes.
• Champion compliance with AS9100, OSHA, and applicable regulatory and customer requirements.
• Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) related to efficiency, downtime, scrap, and productivity; lead corrective action plans where needed.
• Support capital planning and technology improvements to ensure long-term competitiveness.
• Develop, coach, and mentor supervisors, engineers, and team leads to build leadership depth and operational capability.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning across the organization.
• Ensure effective maintenance practices and equipment reliability to minimize downtime and sustain production performance.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum 5 to 10 years of progressive experience in aerospace manufacturing or precision machining, with at least 3 years in a leadership capacity.
• Must be authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time bases without sponsorship now or in the future. The Company cannot offer employment to visa holders who require employer sponsorship in the future or cannot work now on a full-time basis.
• Must be able to perform work subject to ITAR/EAR regulations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrated success managing small-to-mid-scale, but complex aerospace manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of metal fabrication, machining, and special processes for airfoils or rotating components.
• Experience leading Kaizen events and implementing Lean manufacturing tools (5S, standard work, value stream mapping, TPM).
• Strong analytical, strategic planning, and decision-making skills.
• Proven record of leading teams, developing talent, and driving measurable improvements in performance.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work cross-functionally.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook); ability to analyze data and develop clear, leadership-ready insights.

Working Conditions

• Requires mobility in a manufacturing plant environment while using Personal Protective Equipment. 

• Must be able to frequently sit, stand and walk. 
• Must be able to climb ladder, work on platforms, and climb stairs 
• Personal protective equipment (e.g., safety glasses and safety shoes) is required on the shop floor
• Occasional weekend and evening work may be required to accommodate priorities, deadlines, and schedules.

Acknowledgements: 

The above job description is not intended to be an all-inclusive list of duties and standards of the position. Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform any other related duties, as assigned by their supervisor. 

Benefits: 

Pursuit Aerospace also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements, among other things. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

Pursuit Aerospace is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We adhere to all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.