Director of Operations

Job Description

A leading aerospace and defense manufacturer is seeking a Director of Operations to lead its largest manufacturing site and headquarters operation in Simsbury, Connecticut. This role will oversee a complex manufacturing environment, drive operational excellence initiatives, develop high-performing teams, and partner closely with executive leadership to achieve strategic business objectives.

This position offers significant visibility across the organization and is viewed as a key leadership role with long-term growth potential.

Responsibilities

Lead all manufacturing operations across the Simsbury facility.

Drive performance in safety, quality, delivery, productivity, and cost.

Develop and execute Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement initiatives.

Lead, coach, and develop an experienced management team.

Drive accountability through KPIs and operational metrics.

Partner with executive leadership on strategic planning and business initiatives.

Build organizational capability through succession planning and leadership development.

Improve manufacturing efficiency, capacity utilization, and operational performance.

Foster a culture of safety, accountability, collaboration, and excellence.

Compensation:

Base salary targeted around $225,000 to $299,000, with flexibility for the right candidate. Annual incentive target of approximately 20-25%. Long-term incentive flexibility. Full relocation assistance available if needed. Additional incentives may be considered based on long-term performance and organizational impact. Exact compensation may vary based on several factors, including skills, experience, and education.

Benefit packages for this role will start on the 1st day of employment and include medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as HSA, FSA, and DCFSA account options, and 401k retirement account access with employer matching. Employees in this role are also entitled to paid sick leave and/or other paid time off as provided by applicable law.

We are a company committed to creating diverse and inclusive environments where people can bring their full, authentic selves to work every day. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that believes everyone matters. Qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, ancestry, genetic factors, age, disability, protected veteran status, military or uniformed service member status, or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please send a request to [email protected] learn more about how we collect, keep, and process your private information, please review Insight Global's Workforce Privacy Policy: https://insightglobal.com/workforce-privacy-policy/.

Skills and Requirements

10+ years of progressive manufacturing leadership experience.

Experience leading large manufacturing operations and leadership teams.

Strong Lean Manufacturing, Kaizen, and Continuous Improvement background.

Experience managing complex operations with multiple functional areas.

Demonstrated ability to lead through change and drive operational improvements.

Strong business acumen with exposure to budgets, financial performance, and operational metrics.

Excellent communication, leadership, and team development skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Aerospace, defense, or highly regulated manufacturing experience.

Experience leading 500+ employee manufacturing operations.

P&L or financial ownership experience.

Multi-site or large-site leadership experience.

Executive leadership exposure.