Operations Manager in Tucson, Arizona at Abrams Airborne Manufacturing Inc

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced Operations Manager to lead our Production Control and Supply Chain functions. You'll direct a team of managers and staff across scheduling/planning and inventory/purchasing, setting priorities, driving performance, and holding your team accountable for results. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who thrives in a fast-paced job shop environment and knows how to balance schedule, cost, and material availability.

You'll partner closely with the Director of Manufacturing on execution and capacity, and with Quality to ensure compliance with AS9100/ISO 9001 requirements.

What You'll Do

Production Control (Processing, Scheduling & Planning)

Set production planning and scheduling strategy; direct staff in translating sales orders, forecasts, and shop capacity into a realistic master production schedule
Own key metrics — on-time delivery, schedule attainment, WIP aging, throughput — and drive corrective action when targets are missed
Partner with the Director of Manufacturing on capacity planning and resolve escalations on sequencing conflicts or bottlenecks
Lead root cause analysis and process improvement for recurring schedule slips

Supply Chain (Inventory & Purchasing)

Direct the Inventory Manager and team on maintaining raw material, WIP, and finished goods inventory that supports production while minimizing carrying costs
Set inventory KPIs (turns, accuracy, service level) and hold the team accountable
Direct purchasing/buying staff on supplier selection, PO issuance, pricing, and delivery follow-up; approve key sourcing decisions
Own supplier relationship strategy for key suppliers and drive corrective action with underperformers
Ensure procurement practices comply with contractual/regulatory flow-down requirements (FAR/DFARS, customer-directed sourcing, ITAR where applicable)

People Management

Develop and manage the Inventory Manager, Purchasing Manager, and production control staff
Set clear goals and priorities for direct reports; conduct performance evaluations and coaching
Build a cooperative, accountable team culture across both functions

Cross-Functional

Partner with Quality on material and process nonconformances affecting schedule or supply
Provide production, inventory, and supply chain data to support estimating, sales, and leadership decisions
Drive continuous improvement across production control and supply chain
What You Bring
Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, industrial engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
5+ years in production control, planning, or supply chain management in a manufacturing job shop environment; aerospace/defense experience strongly preferred
Prior experience directly supervising staff; experience managing a manager strongly preferred
Hands-on experience with manufacturing ERP/MRP systems
Familiarity with AS9100 and ISO 9001 as they relate to production and supply chain
APICS/CPIM, CPSM, or similar certification a plus

You're a strong fit if you:

Are a proven team leader who can hire, develop, and hold staff accountable in a fast-paced environment
Have sharp analytical and planning skills, balancing competing priorities across schedule, cost, and material availability
Know Lean manufacturing and materials management principles
Negotiate well and have supplier management chops
Communicate effectively across all levels — from shop floor to leadership to suppliers
Exercise sound, independent judgment
Why Join Us

At Abrams Airborne Manufacturing, we build to a standard, not a deadline. Our mission — Precision, Passion, and Integrity — isn't a poster on the wall; it's how we plan a schedule, qualify a supplier, and hold each other accountable. If you want to lead a team that takes pride in getting it right the first time, this is that kind of shop.