Plant Manager – Aerospace

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Plant Manager – Aerospace to lead all aspects of manufacturing operations within a complex aerospace production environment. This role is responsible for driving operational excellence, safety, quality, profitability, and workforce development while ensuring the successful execution of business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership capabilities, extensive manufacturing experience, and a proven ability to lead cross-functional teams in achieving operational and financial goals.

Position Responsibilities

Plant Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide overall leadership and direction for plant operations, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and growth initiatives.
• Develop and execute operational strategies that support short- and long-term business objectives.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Operational Excellence

• Oversee daily manufacturing operations to ensure efficiency, productivity, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive key performance indicators related to safety, quality, delivery, cost, and operational effectiveness.
• Identify and implement process improvements that enhance plant performance and competitiveness.

Safety & Environmental Compliance

• Champion a proactive safety culture focused on employee well-being and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards and requirements.
• Lead initiatives aimed at achieving zero-incident performance and reducing workplace risks.

Quality Management

• Promote a culture of quality throughout the organization.
• Ensure compliance with applicable industry, customer, and regulatory requirements.
• Support quality improvement initiatives that reduce defects, improve reliability, and increase customer satisfaction.

Financial & Business Performance

• Maintain accountability for plant financial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control, and profitability.
• Evaluate operational performance and implement strategies to improve margins and resource utilization.
• Support capital investment planning and business growth initiatives.

Lean Manufacturing & Continuous Improvement

• Lead Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, Kaizen, Value Stream Mapping, and other continuous improvement efforts.
• Identify opportunities to eliminate waste, improve productivity, and optimize operational processes.
• Drive sustainable improvements across manufacturing and support functions.

Talent Development & Workforce Leadership

• Build, mentor, and develop high-performing leadership and operational teams.
• Partner with Human Resources to support talent management, succession planning, training, and employee engagement.
• Foster an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Engineering, Supply Chain, Quality, Finance, Maintenance, Human Resources, and Operations teams.
• Support product development, production planning, and customer satisfaction initiatives.
• Lead cross-functional problem-solving and strategic improvement projects.

Prerequisites

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Operations Management, Business, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a manufacturing environment.
• Minimum of 5 years of leadership experience managing people and operational teams.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex manufacturing operations.
• Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, operational metrics, and business management principles.
• Experience managing budgets, cost controls, and plant financial performance.
• Proven ability to lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work effectively in fast-paced and highly regulated manufacturing environments.

Certifications (Preferred, but not Required)

Manufacturing & Operational Excellence

• Lean Six Sigma Black Belt
• Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
• Certified Lean Practitioner
• Continuous Improvement Certifications

Quality & Aerospace

• AS9100 Internal Auditor Certification
• Aerospace Quality Management Certifications
• Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Leadership & Project Management

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)
• Executive Leadership Development Certifications

Safety & Compliance

• OSHA Certifications
• Certified Safety Professional (CSP)

What the Role Offers

• Salary Range: $175,000 – $260,000.
• Eligibility for performance-based incentive opportunities.
• Opportunity to lead a large-scale aerospace manufacturing operation with significant business impact.
• Full responsibility for operational performance, financial results, workforce development, and strategic execution.
• Exposure to advanced manufacturing technologies and highly regulated production environments.
• Leadership role with significant visibility and influence across the organization.
• Comprehensive health, wellness, retirement, and insurance benefits.
• Paid time off and work-life balance programs.
• Professional development and leadership advancement opportunities.
• Relocation assistance may be available based on business needs.

Why Jackson?

Jackson offers a strong manufacturing and industrial workforce supported by a growing business environment. The region provides access to skilled talent, transportation infrastructure, and a business-friendly climate that supports advanced manufacturing operations. Professionals working in Jackson benefit from opportunities to lead complex operations while enjoying a lower cost of living, strong community support, and access to regional economic growth initiatives.