Director of Manufacturing

Compensation: $115,000–$130,000 Base Salary
Bonus: 8% Target Bonus
Location: New Hope, Mississippi

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Director of Manufacturing to lead manufacturing and operations within a highly regulated aerospace and defense manufacturing environment.

This individual will be responsible for overall technical performance, quality performance, production schedules, cost efficiency, and manufacturing capabilities. The Director will lead manufacturing operations while partnering closely with executive leadership and cross-functional teams to ensure production capabilities support current requirements and future growth.

The ideal candidate will have significant leadership experience within aerospace or defense manufacturing, including experience supporting OEM customers, managing both prototype and series production, implementing Lean/Six Sigma methodologies, reducing manufacturing costs, and leading manufacturing teams through growth and operational change.

Key Responsibilities

Manufacturing Leadership & Operations

• Lead all aspects of the manufacturing and operations function.

• Ensure manufacturing capabilities meet or exceed customer and industry requirements for cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness.

• Oversee employees and manufacturing operations, including both internal and subcontracted manufacturing activities.

• Evaluate and allocate resources based on production requirements.

• Coordinate manufacturing activities to optimize quality, cost effectiveness, and production performance.

• Ensure manufacturing operations support company goals and customer commitments.

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

• Lead manufacturing operations supporting aerospace and defense products.

• Support Aerospace and Defense OEM requirements.

• Oversee manufacturing activities involving both prototype and series production programs.

• Maintain knowledge of aerospace and defense manufacturing processes, technologies, and industry requirements.

• Evaluate emerging manufacturing technologies and recommend investments that maintain leading-edge capabilities.

Operational Excellence & Continuous Improvement

• Drive improvements across manufacturing performance, efficiency, quality, and cost.

• Apply Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles to manufacturing operations.

• Identify opportunities to reduce manufacturing unit costs.

• Implement improvements that increase operational efficiency and contribution to gross margins.

• Lead organizational change and transformation initiatives.

• Develop and execute strategies designed to achieve measurable business results.

Strategic Leadership

• Work closely with executive leadership and cross-functional partners to develop manufacturing plans, goals, and future product strategies.

• Participate in senior-level negotiations and relationship development with customers and manufacturing partners.

• Translate organizational strategy into manufacturing execution.

• Solve complex and unusual operational challenges using strong analytical judgment.

• Support the continued development of a scalable and sustainable manufacturing organization.

People Leadership

• Build and develop a highly capable Manufacturing and Operations organization.

• Lead, mentor, and coach manufacturing personnel.

• Develop strong working relationships with employees, peers, customers, and leadership.

• Identify training and development requirements for supervisors and other manufacturing personnel.

• Partner with Human Resources regarding employee development and training.

• Complete timely annual performance evaluations for direct reports.

• Ensure compliance with company policies related to safety, attendance, conduct, and plant operations.

Budgeting & Resource Management

• Develop and submit annual capital expenditure and operating expense budgets.

• Manage manpower, equipment, facilities, and other manufacturing resources.

• Optimize resource utilization to improve efficiency and reduce costs.

• Evaluate capital equipment and technology requirements.

• Support manufacturing capacity planning and future growth initiatives.

ERP & Manufacturing Systems

• Support the design and implementation of ERP systems.

• Utilize manufacturing systems and operational data to improve planning and execution.

• Ensure systems effectively support manufacturing operations and organizational growth.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Engineering.

• Minimum 5 years of experience at the Director of Manufacturing level.

• Strong experience within aerospace and/or defense manufacturing.

• Demonstrated experience supporting Aerospace or Defense OEMs.

• Experience running aerospace or defense manufacturing operations.

• Experience supporting both prototype and series production programs.

• Strong knowledge of aerospace and defense manufacturing processes.

• Demonstrated leadership and management experience.

• Experience with Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma process improvement methodologies.

• Experience with ERP system design and implementation.

• Proven ability to reduce manufacturing unit costs and improve gross-margin contribution.

• Experience managing manufacturing budgets, resources, equipment, and facilities.

• Strong planning, organizational, analytical, and communication skills.

• Ability to operate successfully within a fast-paced and challenging manufacturing environment.

• Strong attention to detail.

• Must qualify as a U.S. Person under applicable ITAR requirements.

Leadership Profile

The successful candidate should be an action-oriented and innovative manufacturing leader capable of driving change while maintaining strong relationships throughout the organization.

This individual must be able to balance production, quality, cost, schedule, people leadership, and long-term manufacturing strategy while developing a manufacturing organization capable of supporting continued growth.

Work Schedule

The organization operates primarily on a four-day, 10-hour workweek. Manufacturing/Quality schedules generally run approximately 6:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m., while support staff generally work approximately 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Friday work may be required depending on production goals. Leadership and support personnel may also be required to work Fridays when necessary to support production or address operational needs.

MOHR Talent is an equal-opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws. We provide equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, military/veteran status, or any other protected status. If you believe you have been discriminated against or have concerns about our compliance, please contact our Human Resources department at hr@themohrgrp.com