Operations Manager

Location: On-Site in Phoenix, AZ

About the Company

Our client is a long-standing, privately held manufacturer of precision components that power everything from next-generation aircraft to championship-winning race teams. Continued expansion into the aerospace sector has doubled demand, and the organization is creating this key role to elevate shop performance, strengthen quality systems, and champion a culture of safety and continuous improvement. As Operations Manager, you will report directly to the VP of Operations and steer a 50-person, multi-shift operation toward world-class results.

What’s in It for You

• High-impact, newly created leadership seat with direct visibility to executive leadership
• Robust resources for lean, automation, and capital projects
• Competitive bas salary with full benefits suite: multiple medical plan options (PPO & HSA), dental, vision, life, disability, and 401(k) with 4 % match
• Progressive PTO that increases annually, plus a consistent weekday schedule (6 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) and flexibility to audit other shifts
• Relocation support considered for the right candidate

Key Responsibilities

• Direct daily facility and production operations across machining, grinding, assembly, and finishing value streams, ensuring safety, quality, throughput, and delivery targets are met
• Champion a proactive safety culture, maintaining compliance with OSHA, AS9100, and other aerospace quality standards
• Build, coach, and develop a team of supervisors, leads, and technicians spanning multiple shifts
• Coordinate production schedules with planning and engineering to hit customer commitments on time
• Track KPIs (OEE, scrap, downtime) and deploy corrective actions and Kaizen events to drive continuous improvement
• Partner with quality, maintenance, engineering, and supply-chain teams to troubleshoot issues and optimize processes
• Manage staffing levels, cross-training, and shift coverage as the plant expands toward 24/7 operation
• Oversee preventive maintenance programs and capital upgrades to maximize asset reliability

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of manufacturing leadership, including 3+ years in aerospace or other regulated industry
• Strong background in CNC machining and precision manufacturing processes
• Hands-on experience with AS9100 (or ISO 9001) QMS and customer audits
• ERP/MRP fluency (SAP, Epicor, Oracle, or similar)
• Proven success leading multi-shift teams using lean tools such as 5S, value-stream mapping, and visual management
• Ability to read blueprints, GD&T, and technical specifications

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Industrial Management, or related discipline
• Lean Six Sigma Green or Black Belt
• Familiarity with ITAR and government-contracting requirements

About Blue Signal:  

Blue Signal is an award-winning, executive search firm specializing in various specialties. Our recruiters have a proven track record of placing top-tier talent across industry verticals, with deep expertise in numerous professional services. Learn more at bit.ly/46Gs4yS