position summary

we are seeking an experienced and results-driven operations manager to lead manufacturing operations at a large aerospace and defense components manufacturing plant in nogales, sonora with 800+ employees . The facility produces high-reliability connectors and interconnect solutions in a low-volume / high-mix manufacturing environment supporting demanding aerospace and defense customers.

the operations manager will be responsible for overseeing production, manufacturing engineering coordination, planning, and operational performance , ensuring safe, efficient, and compliant operations while meeting stringent quality, delivery, and cost objectives required by aerospace and defense standards. This role requires a strong operational leader with experience managing complex manufacturing environments, high product variation, and strict regulatory and quality requirements .

key responsibilities

manufacturing operations leadership

- lead daily manufacturing operations across multiple production areas to ensure on-time delivery, productivity, and operational efficiency .
- manage production teams, supervisors, and support staff within an 800+ employee manufacturing organization .
- ensure effective execution of production plans in a low-volume / high-mix environment with frequent product changeovers.
- drive accountability for operational performance including safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory (sqdci) metrics.

production planning & execution

- collaborate closely with production planning, supply chain, and engineering to ensure capacity alignment and realistic production schedules.
- optimize manufacturing flow, labor utilization, and equipment effectiveness to meet customer demand.




- support new product introductions (npi) and engineering changes while maintaining production continuity.

continuous improvement

- lead lean manufacturing, six sigma, and operational excellence initiatives to improve productivity, reduce waste, and enhance throughput.
- implement structured problem-solving methodologies (a3, root cause analysis, 8d).
- identify and drive initiatives to improve oee, cycle time, scrap reduction, and labor productivity .

quality & compliance

- ensure compliance with aerospace and defense quality standards , including as9100 and customer-specific requirements.
- work closely with quality and engineering teams to maintain high reliability standards expected for aerospace connectors.
- support internal and external audits and drive corrective actions when necessary.

safety & workforce leadership

- promote a strong safety-first culture across all operations and ensure compliance with all safety and environmental regulations.
- lead, develop, and mentor a large operations team including supervisors and production leaders.
- foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.

cross-functional collaboration

- partner with supply chain, engineering, quality, maintenance, and finance to achieve plant-level performance targets.
- support capacity planning, capital investments,



and operational strategy initiatives.
- contribute to plant p&l; performance through cost management and operational efficiencies.

qualifications

- bachelor’s degree in engineering, operations management, industrial engineering, or related field .
- 10+ years of progressive manufacturing operations experience , preferably within aerospace, defense, or high-reliability electronics manufacturing .
- 5+ years of leadership experience managing large manufacturing teams in complex environments.
- experience operating in low-volume / high-mix production environments .
- strong understanding of lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, and operational performance systems .
- experience working within regulated quality environments such as as9100, iso 9001, or similar .
- proven ability to drive improvements in productivity, delivery performance, and operational efficiency .
- bilingual english and spanish strongly preferred.

key competencies

- strong operational leadership and team development
- lean manufacturing and continuous improvement mindset
- data-driven decision making
- cross-functional collaboration
- strategic execution with hands‑on operational management
- ability to manage complexity in high-mix manufacturing environments
- strong communication and stakeholder management skills

preferred experience

- aerospace connectors, cable assemblies, or precision electromechanical products
- experience supporting aerospace oems and defense customers
- experience managing operations in large maquiladora manufacturing environments
- six sigma certification or lean manufacturing training

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📌 Operations manager (México)
🏢 Optima Organizational Solutions
📍 México