ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Director Jobs in Columbus, MS (NOW HIRING)

Stark Aerospace

Director, Engineering

Columbus, MS

Work closely with the Quality Director to ensure robust process controls, FAI readiness, and continuous compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements. N ew Product Introduction (NPI) * Lead ...

C Spire

Director, Select Sales

Starkville, MS

The Director of Select Sales is responsible for leading and managing a team of sales representatives focused on delivering Managed Services solutions and Enterprise-level IT solutions. This role ...

Cspire_telapex

Director, Select Sales

Starkville, MS · On-site

The Director of Select Sales is responsible for leading and managing a team of sales representatives focused on delivering Managed Services solutions and Enterprise-level IT solutions. This role ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDirector JobsDirector Jobs in Columbus, MS

Director information

What does a director do?

Directors are high-level executives responsible for overseeing a department, division, or entire organization. They set strategic goals, develop policies, and ensure that their teams execute projects effectively to meet company objectives. Directors often collaborate with other senior leaders, manage budgets, and lead decision-making processes. Their leadership is crucial for driving growth, maintaining operational efficiency, and fostering a positive organizational culture.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director, you need strategic leadership, business acumen, and a proven track record in management, often supported by an advanced degree such as an MBA. Familiarity with budgeting tools, project management software, and data analytics systems is typically required. Exceptional communication, decision-making, and team-building abilities help Directors inspire teams and drive organizational goals. These skills are crucial for setting vision, ensuring operational efficiency, and achieving sustained business success.

How does a director typically balance strategic planning with day-to-day operational oversight?

Directors are responsible for setting long-term strategies while ensuring the smooth execution of daily operations. They achieve this balance by delegating routine tasks to managers, regularly reviewing progress through meetings and reports, and adjusting plans based on organizational needs. Successful Directors maintain open communication with their teams, foster collaboration across departments, and stay adaptable to changes in business priorities. This dual focus allows Directors to drive both immediate results and sustainable growth.

What is the difference between Director vs Manager?

AspectDirectorManager
Required CredentialsOften requires advanced degrees (e.g., MBA), extensive experienceTypically requires a bachelor's degree, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, high-level decision making, leadership over multiple teamsOversees daily operations, manages team members, implements policies
Employer & Industry UsageUsed across industries for senior leadership rolesCommon in various industries for team and project oversight
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding high-level leadership rolesUnderstanding team management roles

The main difference between a Director and a Manager lies in their scope and responsibilities. Directors focus on strategic planning and high-level decision making, often overseeing multiple departments. Managers handle daily operations and team supervision. Both roles are essential, but Directors typically have broader authority and require more experience and credentials.

What jobs does a director do?

A director is responsible for overseeing the strategic and operational aspects of a department, project, or organization. They set goals, manage teams, make high-level decisions, and ensure objectives are met, often requiring leadership, communication, and industry-specific knowledge. Directors typically work in office environments and may need relevant experience or certifications depending on the field.
More about Director jobs

What job categories do people searching Director jobs in Columbus, MS look for?

The top searched job categories for Director jobs in Columbus, MS are:

What cities near Columbus, MS are hiring for Director jobs?

Cities near Columbus, MS with the most Director job openings:

Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Director job openings in Columbus, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Director, Engineering

Columbus, MS

Stark Aerospace
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about Stark Aerospaceexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago

Job description

  • Key Responsibilities:

      Engineering Leadership & Execution

  • Lead and manage day-to-day activities for Manufacturing Engineering, Engineering Technicians Test Engineering, and Configuration Management.
  • Translate program requirements into executable manufacturing plans that meet cost Quality, schedule, and compliance objectives.
  • Ensure engineering resources are aligned to production priorities and program ramp-ups.
  • Establish clear accountability, metrics, and performance expectations across the engineering organization.

     Manufacturing & Program Support

  • Serve as the primary engineering interface to Program Management, supporting proposal activities, production planning, and execution.
  • Partner with Manufacturing leadership to ensure process readiness, capacity planning, and efficient production flow.
  • Collaborate with Supply Chain to support make/buy decisions, tooling strategies, supplier readiness, and manufacturability.
  • Work closely with the Quality Director to ensure robust process controls, FAI readiness, and continuous compliance with AS9100 and customer requirements.

     New Product Introduction (NPI)

  • Lead engineering execution for New Product Introduction efforts, ensuring a disciplined transition from development to production.
  • Establish and lead formal NPI gate/phase reviews, ensuring technical, manufacturing, Quality, and supply chain readiness at each phase.
  • Drive manufacturability reviews, risk assessments, and production readiness reviews as part of the gated NPI process.
  • Ensure tooling, fixtures, test equipment, and work instructions are developed, validated, and released prior to production authorization.
  • Identify and mitigate technical schedule, and manufacturing risks early in the NPI lifecycle.

     Tooling, Automation & Process Improvement

  • Lead development and deployment of production tooling, fixtures, and test equipment.
  • Drive automation initiatives to improve safety, Quality, through put, and cost.
  • Implement error-proofing(poka-yoke) strategies across manufacturing and test processes.
  • Champion continuous improvement initiatives leveraging Lean, Six Sigma, and aerospace manufacturing best practices.

     Configuration Management & Compliance

  • Ensure Disciplined configuration management, change control, and documentation practices.
  • Oversee engineering change implementation to minimize disruption to production.
  • Maintain compliance with AS9100, customer specifications, and internal engineering standards.
  • Support internal and external audits, including customer and regulatory audits.

     People Development & Organizational Growth

  • Mentor and developed engineering leaders and technical staff.
  • Support workforce planning, hiring, and succession development with the engineering organization.
  • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

     Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in engineering (Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, Aerospace, or related field).
  • Familiarity with ERP and MES systems in a regulated manufacturing environment.
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in aerospace or defense manufacturing.
  • Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
  • Strong working knowledge of AS9100, FAI, configuration management, and production engineering.
  • Demonstrated success leading NPI, tooling development, and manufacturing process improvements.
  • Excellent cross-functional communication and leadership skills

     Preferred

  • Master's degree in engineering or business (MBA)
  • Experience with automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies.
  • Lean Six Sigma certification or equivalent continuous improvement experience.
  • Experience supporting government or defense programs.

     Leadership Competencies

  • Operationally focused, hands-on leadership style.
  • Strong decision-making and prioritization skills.
  • Ability to balance engineering rigor with production urgency.
  • Collaborative mindset with the ability to influence across organizations.
  • Commitment to Quality, safety, and compliance.

Apply