GKN Aerospace · 3 hours ago
Director of Operations
Garden Grove, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Director/Executive
$185K/yr - $231K/yr
10+ years expGKN Aerospace is a leading aerospace company seeking a Director of Operations to lead the operational launch of a new manufacturing facility. This role involves providing executive-level leadership, ensuring seamless integration of systems, and driving performance across multiple work centers.
AerospaceCommercialManufacturing
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen OnlyHiring Manager
Marco Corona
Responsibilities
Develop and execute operating and strategic plans to support successful implementation and long-term growth
Build and foster a high-performance leadership team and culture of continuous improvement
Serve as a change agent, driving simplification, standard work, lean principles, and process improvement
Lead cross-functional operations including manufacturing, engineering, supply chain, quality, testing, and facilities
Provide day-to-day leadership to operations teams managing cost, quality, and schedule
Oversee facility setup, equipment installation, and product line transfers in alignment with lean systems and regulatory requirements
Ensure delivery of business-level results across safety, quality, delivery, cost, and inventory metrics
Build strategic relationships with external customers and internal stakeholders across all levels
Establish communication links and credibility throughout the buying chain
Interface with program managers to ensure alignment with customer schedules and deliverables
Manage operational budgets and support financial goals in collaboration with finance team
Maintain a safe workplace and ensure compliance with municipal, state and federal regulations and statutes spanning Environmental, Health and Safety
Build and lead a highly engaged team; ensure they have what they need to be successful; and keep them safe to deliver the highest quality aerospace transparencies on time to our customers
Create and sustain a culture aligned with our "Great Place to Work" values by role-modeling behaviors, motivating, and recognizing team contributions
Partner with HR to support talent acquisition, workforce planning, and team development
Lead, coach, and develop project team members, fostering a culture of accountability and excellence
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in engineering, Business, or related technical field
10+ years of progressive experience in manufacturing environments
5+ years of senior-level operational leadership experience
U.S. Person per ITAR regulations; eligible for DoD Secret Clearance
Experience in aerostructures and/or assembly
Experience launching new products and facilities, including AS9102 first article processes
Strong understanding of manufacturing operations: capacity planning, SIOP, workforce planning, capital equipment
Willingness to travel up to 25%
Preferred
Master's degree in Engineering or Business
Previous P&L ownership experience
Experience with government contracting and accounting (cost-plus, earned value, firm fixed price)
Experience in matrixed organizations and high-profile project environments
Company
GKN Aerospace
GKN Aerospace is an aerospace mfg. company that develops, builds & supplies an extensive range of advanced aerospace systems.
10001+ employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$2.5MKey Investors
Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development
2025-09-03Grant· $2.5M
Leadership Team
Bradford Boisvert
Global Finance Director - Enterprise, Transformation Project
Recent News
2026-01-09
Hartford Business Journal
2025-12-16
Company data provided by crunchbase