Production Operations Manager Jobs in Wallingford, CT

Crescent Aerospace Technology LLC, a diversified aerospace and defense precision component parts manufacturing company with facilities across the United States, was established in 2007 by Lionheart Industrial Group. Backed by strong financial resources, solid leadership and a continuing commitment to process development, capabilities expansion and best practices in precision aerospace manufacturing, process technology and quality systems, Crescent Aerospace has been positioned to deliver a comprehensive array of machining and fabrication capabilities, metal finishing special processes, supply chain management and excellent customer support. The company continues to seek acquisitions to strategically grow capabilities and market segments served across commercial, military/defense and space.

Job Purpose / Position Summary

The Operations Manager leads overall operations and is responsible for the effective and successful management of labor, productivity, quality control, material costs, margins, and safety measures. Reporting to the site VP/GM, they develop and execute programs and practices that instill an employee-oriented high-performance culture.

The Operations Manager leads a team of supervisors, machinists, and production personnel to deliver high-quality components on time, within budget, and in full compliance with customer, quality, and safety requirements and is responsible for providing strategic leadership, managing resources, and driving the achievement of our business goals and objectives.

The ideal candidate brings a minimum of 10 years of progressive manufacturing operations experience, a hands-on leadership style, a continuous improvement mindset that drives measurable results on the shop floor, and a proven track record of successfully leading and developing operations teams and driving operational efficiency.

Duties and Responsibilities

The experienced professional we seek will successfully develop and maintain a professional organization capable of achieving maximum sales volume, profitability, and best in class customer service metrics around on-time delivery, quality and lead times. Participating in technology leadership by discovering and presenting new process technology leading to a robust Process Technology Capabilities Matrix/Road Map. Leading and actively participating in strategy development and best practice sharing across the Crescent Centers of Excellence will be an important element of this role. The duties of this position will be carried through regular and consistent communication and interaction with all parties involved in the senior leadership team. Travel may be required to support subcontract supplier development.

Duties:

• Direct and oversee all manufacturing production operations, ensuring on-time delivery, quality output, and efficient use of labor, materials, and equipment.
• Develop, monitor, and report on key operational KPIs including OEE, on-time delivery, scrap rates, labor efficiency, and throughput.
• Plan and coordinate production schedules in alignment with customer orders, capacity constraints, and inventory requirements.
• Lead, coach, and develop a team of production supervisors and shop floor personnel, fostering a culture of accountability, safety, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all production activities comply with AS9100/ISO 9001 standards, ITAR requirements, and internal quality management systems.
• Own and drive the facility's safety program, ensuring OSHA standards, LO/TO procedures, and PPE requirements are met.
• Lead Lean Manufacturing, 5S, and continuous improvement initiatives to reduce waste, improve flow, and increase operational efficiency.
• Monitors and analyzes LEOS KPIs and operational metrics and takes corrective actions as necessary.
• Monitors financial performance, analyzes variances, and implements cost-control measures.
• Fosters a culture of continuous improvement, encouraging innovation and best practices across all departments.
• Builds and leads a high-performing team, promoting a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
• Sets clear expectations, provides coaching and mentorship, and evaluates the performance of direct reports through performance reviews and employee development.
• Fosters a culture of employee engagement, professional development, and talent retention.
• Leads Environmental, Health and Safety programs for company maintaining compliance with local law and best in class plant operations safety.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills/Qualifications/Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in manufacturing engineering, industrial engineering, operations management or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and hands-on experience considered.
• Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher), APICS CPIM, or equivalent continuous improvement certification strongly preferred
• Minimum 10 years' progressive experience in precision aerospace component manufacturing environment with at least 4 years in supervisory or management role.
• Demonstrated experience in a precision machining, aerospace, defense, or high-mix/low-volume manufacturing environment preferred.
• Familiarity with industrial qualifications and certifications including cyber security protocols (CMMC NIST 800-171 Level 2), AS9100 QMS, NADCAP
• Strong floor-level leadership presence - comfortable leading from the shop floor, not just the office.
• Analytical problem-solver with demonstrated ability to use data to drive decisions and improve processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with production scheduling and ERP reporting tools.
• High sense of urgency, accountability, and ownership - leads by example in a fast-paced environment.
• Lean/continuous improvement mindset with demonstrated results on the shop floor (5S, kaizen, waste reduction).
• Ability to develop and implement management systems to continually monitor and measure performance to desired outcomes.

Essential Physical Requirements

• Primarily shop floor and office environment within a precision manufacturing facility.
• Required to stand, walk, and be present on the production floor; may occasionally lift or move up to 50 lbs.
• Required to wear appropriate PPE (safety glasses, steel-toed boots, hearing protection) in designated production areas. Reasonable accommodations available.

Direct Reports

Materials, Planning/Scheduling, Maintenance, Supervisors, Operators

Compensation and Benefits

Lionheart Industrial Group offers a competitive total compensation package including:

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance (Meritain Health / Aetna network)
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - administered by Voya Financial
• Company-paid Life & AD&D Insurance (New York Life)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability coverage
• Health Savings Account (HSA) option available
• Paid Time Off and company-observed holidays
• Professional development and career growth opportunities

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Lionheart Industrial Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class under applicable federal, state, or local law.