Plant Director – Aerospace Manufacturing

About the role

Lead a large, complex aerospace manufacturing operation in Arkansas, overseeing roughly 300 employees across multiple facilities. This senior site leadership role combines hands‑on floor presence with executive‑level decision making to drive performance, transformation and growth.

Key responsibilities

• Direct day‑to‑day manufacturing operations, set KPIs, and ensure safety, quality, on‑time delivery and productivity.
• Coach and develop the site’s management team, establish operating rhythms and accountability.
• Partner with Quality, Engineering, Supply Chain, HR, Finance, IT, Sales and senior leadership to align resources with customer requirements.
• Lead continuous‑improvement initiatives, applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma principles, and identify automation opportunities.
• Own site‑level P&L, budgeting, headcount, capital planning and financial performance.

Required profile

• Progressive leadership experience in complex, unionized manufacturing environments, preferably aerospace or defense.
• Proven track record of improving performance through growth, transformation or integration.
• Strong executive communication, decision‑making ability and shop‑floor credibility.
• Experience managing large teams, developing leaders and succession planning.

Required skills

• Lean Manufacturing
• Six Sigma
• AS9100 or comparable regulated quality systems
• ERP‑driven manufacturing operations
• Manufacturing automation and modernization