Director of Operations

Director of Operations

Job details

General information

Entity

Safran is an international high-technology group operating in the fields of aerospace (propulsion, equipment and interiors), space and defense. Its mission is to contribute sustainably to a safer world, where air transport becomes ever more environmentally friendly, comfortable and accessible. Present on every continent, the Group employs 110,000 people and generated €31.3 billion in revenue in 2025. Safran holds, either independently or through partnerships, leading global or European positions in its markets.

Safran was ranked second in the Aerospace & Defense sector in TIME magazine's ""World's Best Companies 2025"" ranking.

Safran Cabin is the world's No. 1 in aircraft interiors. Safran Cabin provides innovative, smart and sustainable cabin interiors, as well as advanced water and waste management systems.

Here, you will develop your skills and grow within a community of experts who enrich your experience every day.

Here, collaboration connects our teams across the globe.

Did you know? We have probably already flown together!

Would you like to join us? Learn more about Safran Cabin here.

(Hyperlink: https://www.safran-group.com/en/companies/safran-cabin)

Reference number

2026-188810

Job details

Domain

Production

Job field / Job profile

Supply chain - Supply chain manager

Job title

Director of Operations

Employment type

Permanent

Professional category

Professional, Engineer & Manager

Part time / Full time

Full-time

Job description

Safran Cabin headquarters are in Costa Mesa, California, with a global presence of over 11,000 employees at 36 sites. Site locations are in the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Canada, Germany, France, Czech Republic, the Netherlands, Tunisia and Thailand. Safran Cabin serves over 400 airlines and leasing companies globally and delivers to all airframe OEM manufacturers with a heritage spanning over 80 years in the industry.

Discover Safran Cabin through our videos: Safran Cabin (safran-group.com)

Operations Management

• Improve the operational systems and processes in support of organizational goals

• Ensure the overall success of the Operations function by overseeing day‑to‑day activities across manufacturing,

purchasing and supporting departments.

• Analyze manufacturing, inventory, and delivery issues and provide timely, data‑driven solutions

• Manage equipment capacity and capability, operational risks, and capital justification to support future growth.

• Ensure customer delivery, quality, safety, and regulatory standards are consistently met.

• Manage inventory levels to meet delivery schedules while optimizing working capital

• Set and achieve goals to improve productivity, efficiency, and cost performance.

• Analyze and lead long‑term operational planning, including initiatives geared toward capacity, capability, and

business growth

• Manage staffing budgets and long‑term workforce planning in partnership with Finance and HR

• Develop, manage, and control budgets and expenses within areas of responsibility.

• Manage ERP system processes, data integrity, user access, and software improvements for Operations and

Purchasing departments

• Analyze, support the design, and lead implementation of software and digital tools to improve operational

efficiency and visibility

• Develop and optimize production floor layout by examining and understanding product flow, space

requirements, and high‑mix, low‑volume manufacturing needs

• Develop key Manufacturing and Purchasing personnel to support the long‑term stability and success of the

company

• Evaluate team and provide coaching to encourage professional development

• Provide the Proposal team with product and manpower cost inputs and operational assumptions

• Support internal and external operational and regulatory audits (e.g., customer, FAA, ISO/AS).

• Work in collaboration with other departments to provide program support throughout all phases of a program

• Analyze, implement, track, and report on corporate requirements and key performance indicators (KPIs).

• Understand and promote all health, safety, and environmental legal and regulatory requirements, including

company policies and standards. Lead by example, enforce, and sustain a strong safety culture and

compliance‑driven practices in the work environment.

But what else? (advantages, specificities, etc.)

Northwest Aerospace Technologies (“NAT”), a Safran Company, is the only EASA DOA Certified aircraft interior reconfiguration group in the United States. Focusing on commercial & military aircrafts, NAT provides first class services in design, engineering, quality, certification, & manufacturing for a variety of Blue Chip customers.

POWERED BY TEAMWORK. Are you ready to be part of a team that drives big ideas & even bigger wins? At Safran, we believe in the power of both collaboration & individual contributions. We understand that it takes diverse perspectives, problem-solving skills, dependability, & trust to push each other forward & achieve great success. For us, working here is more than just a job; it's a passion. There's the unique opportunity to lead the way in aerospace & defense & contribute to creating a safer & more sustainable world.

We trust our employees to bring bold ideas to build the future of aerospace together, contributing to our ranking by TIME as the leading Aerospace & Defense company on the 2023 World's Best Companies list (#59 on the full list). Join our team and become part of the group that's making amazing things happen on the ground and in the skies. Together, we'll proudly step back and say, “We did that”.

This description has been designed to indicate the general nature & level of work performed by an employee within this position. The actual duties, responsibilities & qualifications may vary based on assignment or group.

Candidate skills & requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree in technical field, such as engineering or operations management, preferred

Experience :

• Minimum of 8–10 years of aerospace operations/management experience, including responsibility for

manufacturing and purchasing with regulated aerospace activities, preferred.

• Proven ability to implement Lean Management Systems

• Strong analytical, data‑driven problem‑solving skills.

• Experience in a high mix, low volume environment

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and familiarity with ERP systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle,

or equivalent. Syteline strongly preferred)

Additional Preferred Skills:

• 10+ years of leading manufacturing/purchasing operations

• Lean certification

• Six Sigma Green/Black belt experience

• Experience in precision manufacturing, including phenolic composite assemblies and other aircraft interior

components

Management and Development of People

• Provides leadership, direction and mentoring to the manufacturing and procurement leadership team.

• Maintains high personal standards and continually sets an example of professionalism throughout the company.

• Sets clear and reasonable expectations and provides the necessary tools and training to ensure success.

• Regularly communicates company and departmental direction and objectives.

• Serve as a trusted leader within the executive leadership team of NAT;

• Think beyond functional responsibility to company-wide impact

• Understand operational drivers and risks

• Hold leaders accountable for outcomes

• Create clarity across multiple layers of the organization

• Demonstrates composure under pressure

• Balances data, intuition and experience

• Drives employee engagement and retention

• Removes barriers to execution

• Ensures cross-functional alignment

Financial Management

• Understands the key performance indicators (KPIs) that drive operational performance and overall business

results

• Develops, manages and approves department budgets and expenditures.

• Responsible for driving Operations to support the Company in achieving and surpassing sales, profitability, cash

flow, and business goals and objectives

Working Conditions:

1. Does require fluent communication in English language.

2. Traveling may be required, but infrequent

3. Protracted or irregular hours may be required.

Annual salary

$139,790 - $219,670 annually. Position is eligible for a 20% Cabin Management Bonus

Job location

Job location

North America, United States, Washington, Everett

City (-ies)

415 Riverside Rd. WA 98201 Everett

Applicant criteria

Minimum education level achieved

Bachelor's Degree

Minimum experience level required

More than 8 years

ITAR Controlled Position: Select "Yes" if role requires U.S. citizenship/permanent residency

Yes