Plant Manager

Acara Solutions has been providing aerospace organizations nationally with our staffing services for over 65 years. Our national aerospace/defense client with a plant in Agawam, MA is looking for a Plant Manager to join their organization as a salaried direct employee.

The plant has CNC machining, laser welding, plating and assembly with less than 100 employees. They are looking for candidates with an aerospace CNC machining, etc. background.

This individual will provide oversight of all day-to-day activities, primarily Operations and Production. We are seeking a strong, 'hands on' leader who will oversee a team of several dozen. This role will report directly to the Group Vice President. Occasional travel will be required. Major responsibilities will include directing and coordinating activities of production departments in processing materials and manufacturing products while ensuring gross margin and productivity requirements are met or exceeded.

• Oversee daily operational and company activities to ensure production efficiency, quality, manufacturing engineering, service, safety and cost-effective management of all resources, while also meeting monthly Sales and COGS forecasts.
• Lead ERP/MRP implementation to achieve OTD and Inventory targets and to make business decisions regarding production activities to maximize efficiencies.
• Partner with the Sales, Marketing and Business Development teams to provide an open dialog between Division, Operations and Customers.
• Implement and manage key performance indicators (KPI's) to optimize operational performance, meet sales/profitability goals and monitor facility and employee progress.
• Guide production supervisors/managers when troubleshooting production problems, optimizing labor, material and equipment efficiencies.
• Develop and maintain appropriate levels of communication and accountability to foster a cohesive team and drive employee engagement.
• Ensure compliance to all ISO9001, AS9100, ISO13485, NADCAP, ITAR, and FDA requirements.
• Minimize customer returns and scrap %.
• Champion the organization in lean and continuous improvement activities and methodologies to identify and eliminate inefficiencies throughout all areas of the plant.
• Develop and review activity reports and financial statements to determine progress and status in attaining objectives. Revise objectives and plans, as appropriate, in accordance to current conditions.
• Responsible for leading a Safety Culture and EHS of the organization.

Required Skills / Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree - ideally in Engineering, Manufacturing, Business or Supply Chain.

Min 10 years of experience leading a manufacturing organization with hands-on floor experience (including at least 2 of those years in an aerospace machine shop environment).

- The above experience should include:

• Change Management: Experience successfully managing a team in a dynamic environment.
• Continuous improvement: Proven track record of understanding and applying continuous improvement. principles and practices, including Lean Manufacturing.
• Prior P&L responsibility and the financial acumen to look for COGS variances.

Min 5 years of experience with similar processes and equipment (CNC machining, plating, assembly, laser welding, etc.).

Min 5 years of LEAN/CI and managing Quality and Safety/Environmental (EH&S related).