POSITION SUMMARYWe 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 RESPONSIBILITIESManufacturing Operations LeadershipLead 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 & ExecutionCollaborate 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 ImprovementLead 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 & ComplianceEnsure compliance with aerospace and defense quality standards, including AS**** 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 LeadershipPromote 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 CollaborationPartner 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.QUALIFICATIONSBachelor'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 AS****, ISO ****, or similar.Proven ability to drive improvements in productivity, delivery performance, and operational efficiency.Bilingual English and Spanish strongly preferred.Key CompetenciesStrong operational leadership and team developmentLean manufacturing and continuous improvement mindsetData-driven decision makingCross-functional collaborationStrategic execution with hands‐on operational managementAbility to manage complexity in high-mix manufacturing environmentsStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsPreferred ExperienceAerospace connectors, cable assemblies, or precision electromechanical productsExperience supporting aerospace OEMs and defense customersExperience managing operations in large maquiladora manufacturing environmentsSix Sigma certification or Lean Manufacturing training#J-*****-Ljbffr

📌 Operations Manager (Heroica Nogales)
🏢 Optima Organizational Solutions
📍 Heroica Nogales