OPERATIONS MANAGER - BACK SHOPS in Albany, Georgia at Thrush Aircraft

MANAGER - BACK SHOP OPERATIONS

Position Summary

The Operations Manager – Manufacturing Operations is responsible for the safe, efficient, and compliant execution of manufacturing operations supporting aircraft production. This position provides leadership for manufacturing departments including fabrication, machining, welding, composite manufacturing, chemical processing, and detail-part finishing operations. The Operations Manager is accountable for achieving production, quality, cost, and delivery objectives while developing supervisors, improving operational performance, and supporting the strategic objectives established by the Director of Manufacturing.

This position reports to the Director of Manufacturing.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Promote and maintain a culture of safety throughout all assigned operations.
• Ensure compliance with company safety policies, OSHA requirements, environmental regulations, and applicable industry standards.
• Lead investigations of safety incidents and implement corrective actions.
• Drive proactive risk identification and hazard mitigation efforts.

Production Execution

• Lead daily manufacturing operations to ensure production schedules and internal delivery commitments are achieved.
• Monitor departmental performance and allocate resources to meet changing production priorities.
• Identify and eliminate constraints impacting throughput, schedule attainment, and operational efficiency.
• Partner with Planning, Supply Chain, Quality, and Manufacturing Engineering to ensure effective execution of production requirements.
• Support production ramp-up activities to meet increasing customer demand.

Quality & Process Discipline

• Ensure manufacturing processes are executed in accordance with approved engineering requirements, work instructions, and quality standards.
• Drive improvements in first-pass yield and reduction of defects, scrap, and rework.
• Support corrective and preventive action activities related to quality issues.
• Promote process discipline and accountability throughout assigned operations.
• Partner with Quality Assurance to maintain compliance with company and customer requirements.

Cost & Productivity Management

• Manage labor utilization and productivity within assigned departments.
• Monitor overtime, staffing levels, and resource utilization.
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs.
• Support inventory accuracy and reduction of work-in-process inventory.
• Recommend equipment, tooling, and process improvements to enhance operational performance.

Leadership & Workforce Development

• Lead and develop supervisors and production personnel within assigned operations.
• Establish performance expectations and provide coaching, feedback, and accountability.
• Support recruiting, onboarding, training, and workforce development initiatives.
• Foster employee engagement, teamwork, and continuous learning.
• Develop succession plans and build organizational capability within manufacturing operations.

Continuous Improvement

• Lead continuous improvement initiatives focused on safety, quality, delivery, and cost performance.
• Utilize root cause analysis and corrective action methodologies to address operational issues.
• Drive implementation of Lean Manufacturing principles and standard work practices.
• Support process improvement projects that improve throughput, quality, and operational efficiency.

Scope of Responsibility

Responsible for manufacturing operations including:

• Fabrication Operations
• CNC Machining Operations
• Welding Operations
• Composite/Fiberglass Manufacturing
• Chemical Processing Operations
• Detail-Part Paint and Finishing Operations

Key Performance Indicators

Responsible for achieving performance objectives related to:

• Safety Performance
• Schedule Adherence
• Internal On-Time Delivery
• First Pass Yield
• Scrap and Rework Reduction
• Labor Efficiency
• Productivity Improvement
• Inventory Accuracy
• Employee Development and Retention

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Manufacturing, Engineering, Operations Management, Business, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of manufacturing leadership experience.
• Experience leading multiple production departments through supervisors preferred.
• Experience in aerospace, aviation, metal fabrication, machining, or similar manufacturing environments preferred.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team development abilities.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Knowledge of Lean Manufacturing and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Experience with ERP systems; SAP experience preferred.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Microsoft suite expertise.