Site Lead

$160,000 - $180,000 + 25% bonus

Are you an experienced manufacturing leader with a passion for operational excellence, Lean transformation, and building high-performing teams? We are seeking a Site Leader to oversee all aspects of plant operations for a growing aerospace and precision manufacturing facility.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for driving operational performance, achieving business objectives, and creating a culture focused on safety, quality, customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all manufacturing operations, including Production, Supply Chain, Manufacturing Engineering, Facilities, Quality, and EH&S.
• Lead the execution of manufacturing strategies that improve safety, quality, delivery, cost, and customer satisfaction.
• Drive operational excellence through Lean Manufacturing principles, KPI management, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Develop and mentor leadership teams while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and employee engagement.
• Ensure production schedules are met while maintaining high quality standards and achieving financial objectives.
• Analyze operational metrics to identify opportunities for increased efficiency, productivity, and profitability.
• Lead capital improvement projects, facility improvements, and capacity expansion initiatives.
• Partner with Engineering, Sales, Finance, Quality, and Supply Chain to support new product introductions and business growth.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with customers, suppliers, and union leadership.
• Ensure compliance with all safety, environmental, regulatory, and customer requirements.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Business, Operations Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership experience with at least 5 years leading precision machining or metal-removing manufacturing operations.
• Demonstrated experience managing plant operations with full P&L responsibility.
• Strong knowledge of CNC machining, precision manufacturing, and Lean Manufacturing methodologies.
• Proven success implementing Continuous Improvement initiatives including Kaizen, 5S, SMED, and Operational Excellence programs.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and leadership abilities with experience developing high-performing teams.
• ERP system experience (Dynamics 365, SAP, or similar) preferred.
• Experience working in an aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing environment is highly desirable.
• Union manufacturing experience is a plus.

Required Experience

• Aerospace or defense manufacturing
• Precision machining
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement
• Strategic planning and operational leadership
• Capital project management
• Multi-department leadership
• Customer-focused manufacturing operations

What We're Looking For

The ideal candidate is a hands-on manufacturing leader who enjoys solving complex operational challenges, developing people, and driving measurable business results. You will bring a track record of improving productivity, reducing costs, strengthening quality systems, and creating a culture of accountability and continuous improvement while leading a high-performing manufacturing organization.