Director of Operations

Overview

The Director of Operations is responsible for overseeing the entire repair value stream at the site, which encompasses induction, teardown, evaluation, quotation, repair, testing, and return to service. This role holds direct responsibility for ensuring the site meets operational performance targets and delivers according to plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all operational activities across component repair cells including induction, teardown, evaluation, quotation, repair, testing, and release.
• Drive performance improvements to achieve on-time delivery by identifying and eliminating bottlenecks such as limited bench capacity, test equipment, parts availability, approved data, or labor shortages.
• Maintain active control over work-in-process inventory with focus on reducing aging stock, improving workflow, and accelerating invoiced deliveries.
• Implement and oversee earned value management practices to monitor schedule and cost performance, using insights to initiate corrective actions.
• Enhance the evaluation-to-quotation process to expedite customer approval and faster reintroduction of units into repair flow.
• Establish daily management systems with clear accountability levels and measurable metrics fostering ownership, execution discipline, and ongoing process improvements.
• Plan capacity and constraints including test equipment, tooling, calibration, and specialized bench capabilities to align with committed production demand.
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain to ensure parts availability, manage backlogs, handle obsolescence, and oversee rotable/exchange pool operations for uninterrupted workflow.
• Work with Quality and Engineering teams to minimize escapes, reduce rework, lower cost of poor quality, and maintain airworthiness and compliance with approved data.
• Control the site operating budget and costs, focusing on labor efficiency, utilization, and aligning revenue recognition with financial objectives.
• Ensure compliance with FAA Part 145 regulations and airworthiness standards, serving as a primary liaison for FAA and customers.
• Recruit, train, and retain skilled technicians and operational leaders within a competitive labor market in South Florida.
• Coordinate with Sales and Program Management to meet customer delivery and return-to-service commitments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Operations Management, or related discipline, or equivalent leadership experience.
• Over 10 years of progressive experience leading operations in repair, overhaul, or complex manufacturing environments, with responsibility for delivery and financial outcomes.
• Proven hands-on operations leadership within an FAA Part 145 repair station setting.
• Successful history of enhancing operational KPIs such as on-time delivery, throughput, WIP reduction, and cost control in environments characterized by diverse product mix and lower volume.
• Experience managing budgets and achieving revenue and margin objectives.

Preferred Skills

• Background in component or LRU repair involving major systems, hydraulics/pneumatics, avionics, or electro-mechanical units beyond just airframe or heavy maintenance.
• Expertise in earned value management and the use of data-driven operational systems like OTD, WIP, schedule and cost indices.
• Knowledge of Lean principles and operational excellence methods applied to repair workflows, including flow, pull systems, standard work, and constraint management.
• Strong business insight linking shop-floor activities to financial results such as revenue and margins.
• Practical experience with ERP/MRP systems and MRO or electronic maintenance tracking software.
• Skill in planning for capital assets, test equipment, and calibration necessary for repair functions.
• Understanding of regulatory compliance relating to approved data, 8130-3 forms, airworthiness, and FAA/EASA traceability guidelines.
• Excellent leadership, coaching, and communication abilities, thriving in environments with high visibility and accountability.
• Possession of FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate is advantageous.

Compensation

The position offers a salary range from $180,000 to $200,000 annually.